Asparagus and Ham Casserole

Ingredients: 

• 1 (1-ounce) slice white bread
• 3 3/4 cups uncooked extra-broad egg noodles
• 2 1/2 cups (1 1/2-inch) sliced asparagus
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed ham (about 8 ounces)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
    
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.

Note: Serves 4



Original Recipe: myrecipes.com