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Ham and Sweet Pea Mac
Melissa Hart

Ham and Sweet Pea Mac

Salty ham, sweet peas and white cheddar make this feel like supper rather than a side dish. Frozen peas need only the last twenty minutes. Put them in sooner and the bright green dots turn gray while the ham seasons the sauce too aggressively.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shell pasta
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 24 oz evaporated milk
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz deli American cheese torn into pieces
  • 3 cups cooked ham cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Boil the shells in water with 1 teaspoon salt for 3 minutes less than the package directs and drain.
  2. Butter a 6-quart crockpot and add the pasta, evaporated milk, whole milk, mustard, pepper and remaining salt.
  3. Cook on low for 45 minutes, then stir in the white cheddar, American cheese and ham.
  4. Cook on low for 35 minutes more, then fold in the frozen peas.
  5. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the peas are hot, the ham reaches 165°F and the pasta is tender.