This is one for the grown ups.
Ingredients:
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Pound penne pasta
- 1 Bunch asparagus (about a pound) cut in 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 8oz. fully cooked ham steak cut in 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 Cups milk
- 8 Ounces cream cheese
- 8 Ounces cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 Ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
- Spray Oil (Pam)
- S & P
Directions: Preheat broiler.
Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente. During the last 2 minutes, add the asparagus and ham. Drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat the milk in a medium size pot just until simmering. Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cheddar and Gruyere. Add remaining cheese and butter to the pot. Mix until smooth. Season with a little salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta with asparagus and ham to the pot and stir until thoroughly mixed.
Spray a 2½ quart (broiler proof) casserole dish with Pam. Add the pasta mixture. Spread the pasta with the reserved cheeses. Broil until pasta and cheese are browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
