Baked Mini Penne with Ham and Mozzarella

The Baked Mini Penne with Ham and Mozzarella is a rich and flavorful dish that combines pasta with oven-gratin, stringy cheese, and cold cuts. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 400 g of mini penne
• 200 g of cooked ham, sliced or cubed
• 250 g of mozzarella, cut into cubes
• 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 500 ml of béchamel sauce
• Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Cook the mini penne in plenty of salted water according to the instructions on the package to achieve an al dente texture.
3. In the meantime, prepare the béchamel sauce if you have not already done so. For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of nutmeg.
4. Drain the pasta al dente and place it in a large bowl. Dress with some of the béchamel sauce and half of the grated Parmesan, then add the cooked ham and mozzarella, mixing gently.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish previously greased with a drizzle of oil, level it, and cover with the remaining Parmesan and béchamel sauce.
6. Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and crispy.
7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

The bake is a versatile dish, and you can change the cold cuts or cheeses according to your taste or what you have at home. If you want a more intense flavor, consider adding cured meats like speck or pancetta.

Finally, a curiosity: the bake is known in many countries with different names and variations, but in Italy, it is particularly appreciated for its ability to combine simplicity and taste. It’s a “comfort food” dish that warms the heart and brings joy to the table.