Penne and Ham a la King

This pasta version of the classic a la king dish is incredibly rich yet so easy to make.  

If you like this, we highly recommend: Chicken a la King in Puff Pastry Shells, Chicken a la King,
Roast Chicken a la King

Serves 3 to 4

For the cream sauce
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup cream

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped white onion
3 tablespoons sliced bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped carrots
3 tablespoons sliced button mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced ham
2 cups cooked penne
quick-melting cheese for topping
chopped spring onions for garnish

1  Make the cream sauce: Toast flour in a pan until light brown. Add butter and cook, mixing, for 3 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring continuously, until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add cream. Set aside.

2  In another pan, melt butter and saute celery, onion, and bell pepper. Add carrots and mushrooms; cook for 2 minutes. Toss with ham and penne; cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and toss penne mixture and cream sauce; mix well. Season to taste.

3  Divide among ramekins and top with quick-melting cheese. Bake in a preheated 375ºF oven for 20 to 30 minutes. To serve, garnish with spring onions.

RELATED recipes: Chicken a la King in Puff Pastry Shells, Chicken a la King, Roast Chicken a la King

Photography by Kai Huang | Food Prep by Katherine Jao | Styling by Elaine P. Lim | Props from from The Yummy Prop Library