Cheesy Bow Tie Pasta with Peas and Ham

Looking for a quick one dish meal? This updated version of mac & cheese will fill the ticket. Quick to throw together and kid friendly, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Pair it with some homemade buttermilk biscuits and dinner is served.

1 pound box bow tie pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp flour

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp white pepper

1/4 tsp nutmeg

4 cup extra sharp shredded white cheddar

10 oz frozen peas

8 oz diced ham (great use for left overs)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9x2 inch baking dish with olive oil or non stick spray. Cook pasta in lightly salted water for about 12 minutes. drain.

While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a medium size sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until well blended and cook for about one minute. Whisk in 1 cup of milk and cook, whisking continuously, until smooth. Whisk in the second cup of milk and continue to cook, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk in 2 cups of the cheese.

In a large bowl toss pasta, cheese sauce, and 1 cup of the remaining cheese. Stir in peas and ham. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with reamining one cup of cheese.

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes until bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool of 10 minutes.