Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried penne pasta
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese
• 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 9 ounce box frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain; set aside. In a separate sauce pan, combine ¼ cup butter and flour; cook 1 minute; stir in the half and half, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cottage cheese and Cheddar cheese; whisk to blend. Add the peas and diced ham to the macaroni; stir to incorporate. Stir the sauce into the macaroni mixture. Pour the mixture into a 3 quart casserole or baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs over the macaroni mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Information

Calories	481 cals
Total Fat	24 g
Cholesterol	85 mg
Dietary Fiber	3 g
Sodium	1004 mg
Protein	24 g
Total Carbohydrate	40 g