Ham & Four Cheese Hotdish

Nothing says comfort food like cheese and pasta.  Adding in ham, peas and green chilies just adds more warmth for your soul and taste buds.

Ham & Four Cheese Hotdish

3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cheddar, shredded
1/2 cup smoked Gouda, shredded
1/2 cup Queso Quesadilla cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Fontina, shredded
1 1/2 cups ham, diced
1 1/2 cups medium pasta shells, cooked and drained
1 tbsp green chilies
1 cup peas (I used frozen)
sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Topping
.
1 1/2 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
dash of sea salt
dash of freshly ground pepper
dash of paprika
dash of garlic powder

Melt 3 tbsp butter and stir in flour.  Gradually add in milk, stirring constantly.  When thickened, remove from heat and add in cheeses.  When cheese has melted, stir in cooked and drained pasta with the remainder of the ingredients.

In a small pan, melt butter.  Add in Panko bread crumbs and spices and lightly toast.  Sprinkle over the pasta mixture.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.