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Asparagus-and-Ham Casserole

Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce white bread
  • 3.75 cups uncooked extra-broad egg noodles
  • 2.5 cups sliced asparagus -- 1 1/2-inch
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup fat-free less-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 0.75 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1.5 cups cubed ham -- 1/2-inch (about 8 ounces)
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°.
  2. Place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs form to measure 1/2 cup.
  3. Cook pasta in boiling water 7 minutes, omitting salt and fat. Add asparagus; cook 1 minute. Drain.
  4. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Place flour, thyme, salt, and pepper in medium bowl; gradually add milk and broth, stirring with a whisk until well-blended. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion; saute 4 minutes. Add milk mixture; cook until thick (about 4 minutes), stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in juice. Combine the pasta mixture, milk mixture, ham, and parsley in large bowl; spoon into a 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
  5. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden.