Ham and Cheese Bowties: A Deliciously Easy Pasta Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly meal? Look no further than ham and cheese bowties! This recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or even a simple lunch. The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. In this blog post, we’ll explore a classic recipe, variations to suit your taste, tips for success, and even suggestions for what to serve alongside this delightful dish.
## Why Ham and Cheese Bowties are a Winner
Before diving into the recipe, let’s consider why this dish is such a winner:
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Quick to Prepare:** From start to finish, this meal can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The familiar flavors of ham and cheese are almost universally loved by children.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences.
* **Budget-Friendly:** It’s a great way to stretch your food budget without sacrificing flavor.
* **Versatile:** Serve it hot, warm, or even cold as a pasta salad.
## The Classic Ham and Cheese Bowties Recipe
This recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients to your liking.
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 1/2 cup diced ham
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large pot
* Colander
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Whisk
**Instructions**
**Get Started:**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
**Prepare the Sauce:**
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced ham and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the ham is lightly browned and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the ham and onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
**Combine and Bake (Optional):**
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and smooth.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the cheese sauce.
9. *Optional: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.*
10. *Optional: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.*
**Serve:**
11. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot immediately.
## Variations and Customization Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste:
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious.
* **Meat Alternatives:** Instead of ham, try using cooked bacon, shredded chicken, sliced sausage, or even leftover roasted turkey.
* **Vegetable Boost:** Add some extra nutrients by incorporating vegetables like peas, broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and ham.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Creamy Indulgence:** For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free farfalle pasta and ensure that the ham and other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Lighter Version:** Use skim milk and reduce the amount of cheese to create a lighter version of the dish. You can also add some cooked vegetables to make it more filling.
* **Italian Twist:** Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce.
* **Mushroom Lovers:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for an earthy flavor.
* **Different Pasta Shapes:** While farfalle (bowties) are traditional, you can also use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells.
## Tips for Success
* **Cook the pasta al dente:** Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce.
* **Don’t overcook the sauce:** Overcooking the sauce can cause it to become too thick or separate.
* **Grate your own cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese will result in a creamier sauce.
* **Whisk constantly:** When adding the milk to the roux, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* **Adjust the seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them when you’re ready to serve. If baking, add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
* **Prevent Sticking:** To prevent the pasta from sticking together after draining, toss it with a little olive oil.
* **Cheese Sauce Consistency:** If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Serving Size:** Adjust the ingredients based on the number of servings you want to make. This recipe is easily scalable.
## Serving Suggestions
Ham and cheese bowties are a complete meal on their own, but here are some ideas for sides to complement it:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing! Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Steamed Green Beans:** A simple and healthy side dish that complements the pasta well.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.
* **Tomato Soup:** A bowl of warm tomato soup pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta, especially on a cold day.
* **Coleslaw:** The cool and creamy coleslaw adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerating:** Leftover ham and cheese bowties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a little milk or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and cheese sauce may change slightly. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Per Serving:
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
## Conclusion
Ham and cheese bowties are a versatile, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, you can create a dish that your whole family will love. So, give this recipe a try and discover your own favorite variations! Enjoy!