Ham And Broccoli Mac Recipe

Cook pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 3 cups elbow macaroni and cook until very al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions), about 7–8 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Make roux and milk base

In the same pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbs unsalted butter. Add 2 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour taste cooks but the roux remains pale.

Finish sauce

Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently until sauce thickens, 3–5 minutes. Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional). Reduce heat to low and stir in 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella in two additions, stirring until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add up to the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, 1 tbs at a time, to reach a creamy consistency.

Combine with pasta

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Keep over low heat while you finish the ham and broccoli.

Sauté broccoli

While the sauce thickens, heat 1 tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups bite-sized broccoli florets and sauté 3–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add 2 minced garlic cloves in the last 30 seconds and cook until fragrant. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional).

Add ham

Add 2 cups diced cooked ham to the skillet and sauté 1–2 minutes just to warm and lightly brown the edges. Remove from heat.

Fold into pasta

Fold the sautéed broccoli and ham into the sauced pasta gently until evenly distributed.

Prepare topping

If using a crunchy topping, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbs grated Parmesan and 1 tbs melted butter in a small bowl.

Transfer the mac and cheese with ham and broccoli to an oven-safe baking dish (about 8x8 inch). Sprinkle the panko-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top if using.

Broil or bake just to brown the topping: place under a preheated broiler for 2–4 minutes watching closely until golden, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until bubbling and top is lightly browned. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.