This Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta is a comforting, cheesy dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich tomato sauce, ham, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 16 oz pasta (your favorite shelled/tube pasta)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 12 oz ham, cubed

• 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

• ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   Add cubed ham to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and pesto. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Combine with pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta and ricotta cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and remove from heat.

4. Assemble and bake:
   Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
   Position the oven rack in the top third of the oven and broil on high for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

5. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 478 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 56g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 46mg

• Sodium: 1024mg

• Potassium: 513mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 759 IU

• Vitamin C: 11mg

• Calcium: 336mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta Is a Great Choice

This recipe is ideal for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to make, especially when compared to other pasta bakes that require more time to prepare and cook. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are simple, making it a great weeknight option for busy families or anyone looking to get a tasty meal on the table fast.

The combination of ham and tomato sauce creates a deliciously savory and tangy flavor profile. The ham adds a nice depth of flavor, giving the dish a protein boost that makes it more substantial than a typical tomato-based pasta dish. Meanwhile, the blend of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—adds a creamy, cheesy layer that binds everything together beautifully. The pesto in the sauce adds a fresh, herbaceous note that rounds out the flavors perfectly, making this dish far more exciting than a simple pasta bake.

The Heart of the Dish: The Sauce

What truly makes this dish come alive is the rich and flavorful sauce. The sauce is made by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil, which creates a fragrant base that sets the stage for the deeper flavors to come. Once the ham is added, it’s sautéed briefly to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, the star of the sauce—the crushed tomatoes—is added along with Italian seasoning and pesto. These ingredients combine to form a tangy, herby sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

The pesto adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with its fresh, basil-infused richness. It’s a simple addition that makes all the difference, transforming a regular tomato sauce into something truly special. The sauce is simmered for just 10 minutes, which is long enough to allow the flavors to meld, but short enough to keep the dish quick and easy.

Combining the Pasta and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, it’s time to combine everything. The ricotta cheese is stirred into the sauce and pasta mixture, adding a creamy richness that perfectly complements the other flavors. The ricotta also helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making each bite a delightful, cheesy experience.

The pasta is then transferred to a 9×13-inch baking dish and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The final step is to broil the dish for just a couple of minutes, which melts and browns the cheese, giving it that golden, bubbly top that makes a baked pasta dish so irresistible. The result is a beautifully cheesy, flavorful baked pasta that’s perfectly crisp on top but creamy and comforting on the inside.

The Nutritional Benefits of Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta

While this dish is indulgent and comforting, it also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a great option for a well-rounded meal. Each serving contains 25 grams of protein, largely from the ham and the cheese, which helps keep you full and satisfied. With 5 grams of fiber and 8 grams of sugar, the pasta also offers a balanced amount of carbohydrates, and the tomato sauce provides a small boost of vitamin C (11 mg), which is important for immune function.

The blend of cheeses not only adds flavor but also provides calcium (336 mg per serving), which supports strong bones and teeth. The addition of fiber from the pasta and the potassium (513 mg) from the ingredients like tomatoes and onion further contributes to overall health, supporting heart and muscle function.

While this dish does have 9 grams of fat, much of this comes from healthy sources like the olive oil and the natural fats in the cheese. It’s also relatively low in cholesterol and provides a modest amount of iron (3 mg), which is essential for healthy blood cells and energy production.

Serving Suggestions for Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta

This Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta can easily be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete meal:

• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pasta, adding freshness to the meal.

• Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent touch, serve this baked pasta with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce, making it even more satisfying.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make excellent vegetable sides, adding some extra fiber and nutrition to the meal.

• Grilled Chicken: For additional protein, you can add some grilled chicken breast or Italian sausage on the side, or even slice it into the pasta itself.

Customizing Your Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta

While this recipe is already delicious, it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Different Cheeses: If you prefer, you can swap out the Mozzarella for cheddar or add fontina or provolone for a different twist on the cheese blend.

• Vegetarian Option: You can omit the ham and use mushrooms, eggplant, or even tofu for a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.

• Extra Spice: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce, or sprinkle some spicy cheese like pepper jack on top before broiling.

Conclusion

This Ham and Tomato Baked Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but satisfying. The blend of savory ham, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses creates a dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy a quick and delicious meal that’s guaranteed to please!