Broccoli and Ham Pasta Bake
Broccoli and Ham Pasta Bake is a comforting main course combining penne, smoked ham, tender broccoli florets and a creamy Gruyère cheese sauce. The Thermomix TM7 weighs, cooks and stirs the béchamel automatically, guaranteeing a silky sauce without lumps or burning. Finished in the oven with a golden cheese topping, it is an ideal family dinner for busy weeknights.
About this recipe
Broccoli and Ham Pasta Bake with the Thermomix TM7 is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner when you crave something warm, cheesy and satisfying. Recipes like this one show exactly why an all-in-one kitchen machine earns its place on the worktop: the TM7 grates a whole block of Gruyère in seconds, cooks the penne and broccoli to just-tender perfection, and stirs the butter, flour and milk into a lump-free cheese sauce without you lifting a whisk. The smoked ham adds a salty depth that pairs beautifully with nutty Gruyère, while the broccoli keeps things colourful on the plate. Assembled in one dish and finished under a golden crust, this bake is ideal for feeding hungry families, preparing ahead for a busy week, or using up leftover ham after the weekend. It is comfort food made genuinely easy, with minimal washing up afterwards.
Preparation tips
- Reserve a spoonful of grated Gruyère before assembling the bake and mix it with a handful of breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy golden crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce underneath.
- Cut the broccoli florets into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate as the penne; larger stems can be sliced thin and hidden in the sauce for fussy eaters who pick out visible greens.
- This bake freezes well before the final oven step: assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until piping hot throughout, adding a few extra minutes for a bubbling top.
Recipe variations
- Vegetarian version: replace the smoked ham with diced fried mushrooms or roasted red pepper strips, and swap Gruyère for mature cheddar. Keep the creamy sauce and broccoli base identical for an equally hearty meat-free bake.
- Festive variation: add cubes of cooked turkey and a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a Boxing Day bake that uses up holiday leftovers, finished with a layer of crispy fried onions before browning.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Weighing precision - The integrated scale of the TM7 weighs the plain flour and butter directly into the bowl for a perfectly balanced sauce base. [Built-in scale]. [Precision Control]
- Fine grating - The Thermomix grates the Gruyère cheese in seconds, creating fine shavings that melt quickly into the hot béchamel. [Multi-function]. [Multi-Function]
- Steaming care - The Varoma attachment of the Thermomix steams the broccoli florets so they stay vivid green and tender-crisp. [Multi-function]. [Multi-Function]
- Precise heating - The TM7 heats the milk sauce at controlled temperature, preventing the butter and flour roux from burning or turning lumpy. [Temperature control]. [Precision Control]
- Even mixing - The Thermomix stirs the ham and pasta through the cheese sauce hands-free, coating every penne tube evenly. [Hands-free]. [Hands-Free]
Ingredients
- Gruyère cheese
- water
- fine sea salt
- oil
- smoked ham, cooked
- dried penne pasta
- broccoli florets
- unsalted butter
- plain flour
- Dijon mustard