Hawaiian Pasta Bake
Try this Hawaiian pasta bake recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Hawaiian pasta bake recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cups cooked of a high fiber penne pasta (i use a canadi
- 400 g (about 14oz) of diced ham i bought a pre-cooked ham.
- 1.5 cups fresh chopped pineapple
- 1/3 up pineapple sauce if you can't find this then sweet and sour would work as well
- 1/4 cup fat free or light ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 2/3 up grated light cheese
- 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes (i use a bob's red mill
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (67g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook your pasta on the stove in a pot.
- Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 9x13 casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl add your cooked pasta, diced ham, diced pineapple and mix.
- Stir in your sauce, dressing, broth and cheese and mix well.
- Pour into your casserole dish and then top with your coconut flakes.
- Bake in oven for 25 minutes, for the last 2-3 minutes you can turn to broil to toast up the coconut if you wish.
A Little Slice of Paradise on Your Plate: My Hawaiian Pasta Bake
Life as a busy mom is a whirlwind of school runs, work deadlines, and the ever-present challenge of keeping a family fed and happy. Finding time to cook elaborate meals is often a luxury, so I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and satisfying recipes that the whole family will love. This Hawaiian Pasta Bake is one of those recipes – it's a vibrant, flavourful dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of days. The sweet and savory combination of pineapple, ham, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible, and the toasted coconut topping adds a delightful textural crunch.
The inspiration for this dish came from a recent family trip to Hawaii. The islands are renowned not just for their breathtaking beauty, but also their incredible cuisine. We indulged in all sorts of delicious treats, from fresh poke bowls to juicy grilled pineapple. But it was the unexpected flavor combinations that really captured my imagination. The idea of blending savory ham with sweet pineapple seemed a bit unconventional at first, but the results were astonishing. It's the kind of dish that brings the vibrant energy of the Hawaiian islands right to your kitchen table.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, cheeses, and even add other ingredients to customize it to your liking. You could add some bell peppers for extra color and crunch, or maybe even some grilled chicken for added protein. The possibilities are endless! For me, the simplicity of the recipe is key. There's no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It's a dish that even beginner cooks can easily master, and the results are always impressive.
The beauty of this Hawaiian Pasta Bake is that it can easily be made ahead of time. You can prepare the ingredients earlier in the day and assemble the dish just before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or even for a casual weekend gathering with friends and family. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Prepare to be amazed by the burst of flavors and the sheer ease of this Hawaiian-inspired culinary adventure. It truly is a taste of paradise, right in your own kitchen.
Tips and Variations:
- Pasta Choice: Penne is a classic choice for this bake, but you can also use rotini, farfalle, or any other short pasta shape.
- Ham Variations: Use leftover cooked ham, diced ham steak, or even prosciutto for a more sophisticated twist.
- Pineapple Options: Fresh pineapple is best, but you can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Herb Infusion: Add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic touch.
Beyond the simple joy of a delicious meal, this Hawaiian Pasta Bake represents something more to me. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little bit of culinary creativity. It’s a reminder to savor the simple things, to enjoy the flavors of different cultures, and to share a heartwarming meal with loved ones. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try. Let the aroma of toasted coconut and sweet pineapple transport you to a tropical paradise, if only for a little while.
