Description

If you're looking for a practical, delicious recipe that will please everyone, this Creamy Baked Pasta with Bacon, Ham, and Cheese is the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and an easy preparation, this dish combines the crispy texture of bacon, the smooth flavor of ham, and the creaminess of a sauce made with yogurt, eggs, and milk. Plus, the melted and gratinated mozzarella cheese in the oven gives it an irresistible final touch. Ideal for quick lunches or dinners, this pasta is perfect for impressing without hassle.

Ingredients

• 250g penne pasta
• 300ml water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• A generous drizzle of olive oil (to reserve the pasta)
• 100g bacon
• 100g ham
• 2 eggs
• 150ml milk
• 200ml plain yogurt
• 300g mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil (for frying)
• Oil (for greasing)

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1

  

  To start the recipe, place 250g of penne pasta in a pot. This type of pasta is ideal for baked dishes because its tubular shape allows the sauce to seep into each piece, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite

• Step 2

  

  Add 300ml of water to the pot with the pasta. This amount of water is enough to cook the pasta since it will be mixed with the sauce later and doesn't need to be fully al dente

• Step 3

  

  Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water to season the pasta while it cooks. It's essential to add the salt early so the pasta absorbs the seasoning during cooking

• Step 4

  

  While the pasta is cooking, cut 100g of bacon and 100g of ham into small pieces. The bacon will bring a smoky, crispy touch, while the ham will add a soft, succulent texture to the dish

• Step 5

  

  In a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. The olive oil prevents the bacon and ham from sticking while adding extra flavor

• Step 6

  

  Once the olive oil is hot, add the bacon pieces to the skillet. Fry them until they are golden and crispy, releasing their natural fat, which will add even more flavor to the dish

• Step 7

  

  After the bacon is nicely golden, add the ham pieces to the skillet. Sauté lightly for a few minutes so the ham absorbs the bacon flavor and gains a slight crisp

• Step 8

  

  Now, let's prepare the creamy sauce, which will be the base for the gratin. In a bowl, crack two eggs and lightly beat them with a fork or whisk

• Step 9

  

  Add 200ml of plain yogurt to the beaten eggs. The yogurt will add a creamy and slightly tangy texture to the sauce, balancing the intense flavors of the bacon and cheese

• Step 10

  

  Next, add 150ml of milk to the bowl with the eggs and yogurt. The milk will smooth out the mixture and help distribute the flavor throughout the pasta when baked

• Step 11

  

  Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to ensure the sauce has a balanced flavor and enhances the other ingredients

• Step 12

  

  Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and place it in a bowl. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil to the drained pasta and mix well. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together while it waits to be mixed with the other ingredients

• Step 13

  

  Grease a baking dish with a bit of oil. This step is important to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom during baking, making it easier to serve and ensuring the dish looks appealing

• Step 14

  

  Add the cooked pasta to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, add the fried bacon and ham pieces. Gently mix everything so the ingredients are well distributed in the dish

• Step 15

  

  Now, sprinkle 300g of mozzarella cheese over the pasta. The cheese will melt and create a golden, gratinated layer that will make the dish even more appetizing. After that, pour the egg, yogurt, and milk mixture over the pasta, ensuring the sauce penetrates well throughout the pasta. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
To give this recipe a special touch, try adding fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or chopped parsley on top before baking. These herbs will bring a fresh element to the dish, balancing the rich flavors of the bacon and cheese. Additionally, you can substitute the mozzarella for a mix of cheeses like parmesan and provolone for a more intense flavor.

Conclusion:
This Creamy Baked Pasta with Bacon, Ham, and Cheese is the perfect combination of practicality and flavor. The preparation is simple and quick, but the result is a dish rich in textures and tastes. The crispy bacon, succulent ham, and creamy sauce made with yogurt and cheese create a meal that will please everyone. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to make adjustments according to your preference, like adding herbs or changing the types of cheese. Whether for a casual lunch or a special dinner, this dish is always a winning choice!