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Prep time
10 minutes
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Cook time
40 minutes
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Serves
6
Author Notes
This broccoli, cheddar, and ham pasta casserole has been one of my family’s favorite dinner recipes for years. It’s incredibly easy to make, cheesy, crispy-topped and high in protein.
I love making mine with Smithfield Anytime Diced Ham because it’s packed with flavor, convenient, and ready to go. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners! Even my kids love this creative twist on my favorite dinner classic.—Christine McMichael —Food52
Test Kitchen Notes
This recipe is presented in partnership with Smithfield Foods. —The Editors
Ingredients
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8 ounces
Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham
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12 ounces
protein pasta
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1 tablespoon
avocado oil
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2/3 cup
broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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16 ounces
low-fat cottage cheese
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2/3 cup
milk
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1 1/2 cups
cheddar cheese
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1/2 tablespoon
minced garlic
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1 teaspoon
salt
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1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
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1/4 cup
pasta water
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Breadcrumbs (topping, to taste)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Place broccoli on a sheet pan with oil and a pinch of salt (to taste), then roast for 15-20 minutes.
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Once the broccoli is done, remove and lower the heat to 350 degrees F.
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Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
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In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, salt/pepper, and garlic and blend until smooth.
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Pour the blended sauce into a non-stick skillet and warm over low heat.
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Meanwhile, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooked pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Add the pasta water to the sauce and 1/2 of the cheddar cheese, then stir until it melts.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
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Turn off the heat and stir the pasta continuously in the sauce for 1-2 minutes allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools
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Mix in broccoli and Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham and stir.
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Top with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!
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