Asparagus and Ham Mac and Cheese

Asparagus and ham give this decadent mac and cheese recipe a fancy twist in the Italian-inspired comfort food meal the whole family loves.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 866 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 stick butter
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
• ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 ounces cooked ham, diced (Optional)
• ⅔ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook asparagus until tender yet firm to the bite, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove asparagus from the pot, reserving the water.

Step 3

Cook noodles in the reserved water from asparagus until tender yet firm to the bite, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain.

Step 4

Whisk milk, egg, flour, and pepper together in a bowl; stir in 2 cups Italian cheese blend and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, ham, and asparagus. Add noodles and toss to coat; transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

Mix bread crumbs and melted butter together in a bowl; add remaining Italian cheese blend and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over noodle mixture.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and top is lightly browned, 35 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.