Halloween Recipes: Creamy pasta bake

If you are staying in on Halloween night, then you have to try this Creamy pasta bake with Godminster Cheddar, beetroot and smoked ham.

Intensely creamy Godminster Cheddar, earthy sweet beetroot and salty smoked ham combine to make this a richly satisfying dish, perfect served alongside a fresh green salad.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

You’ll need:

375g dried pasta shapes, e.g. conchiglie, fusilli or penne
1 onion, finely chopped
50g unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tbsp plain flour
450ml milk
150ml double cream (or use extra milk for a less rich option)
150g Godminster Classic Cheddar, grated
200g piece smoked ham, torn into shreds
small bunch chives, snipped
salt & freshly ground black pepper
500g cooked beetroot (2 packs), cut into 1cm cubes

What to do:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.
• Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and reserve.
• Set a heavy based saucepan over a low heat, sweat the onion in the butter for 10-15 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the garlic and fry for a further minute before stirring through the flour.
• Pour in milk and cream, and bring up to the boil, stirring constantly until thickened. Simmer steadily for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour.
• Turn off the heat, stir through half the cheese, the ham and chives. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Stir through the cooked pasta and beetroot and spoon into a baking dish. Scatter over the rest of the cheese and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
• Serve immediately, accompanied by a green salad.

Credit: www.godminster.com