Ham and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups leftover diced ham
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar, divided
• 2 scallions (or green onions), sliced
• Dash of Paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375, and lightly grease an 8×8" oven-safe dish.

2. Cook the rotini pasta just until al dente – about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute until homogenous. Whisk constantly.

4. Next, pour the milk and 1/4 cup of the cream, add salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Lower the heat and cook while stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. This should take about 5-8 minutes, and the mixture will coat the back of a spoon when it properly thickens.

5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cream sauce, sour cream, 1 cup of the grated cheddar, ham and the sliced scallions. Stir well to combine.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheese. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream evenly over the mixture. Sprinkle lightly with paprika if desired.

7. Cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 5 minutes to slightly crisp up the cheese on top.

8. Let stand for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.