Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Pasta Bake: A Tropical Dinner Delight!
Are you searching for an exciting, easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of tropical flavors to your dinner table? Look no further than this incredible Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Pasta Bake! I recently whipped up this recipe on a day off, and it was an absolute hit, exceeding all expectations. What makes this dish truly special is its harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, combining tender ham with juicy pineapple in a creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a comforting yet vibrant meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish. Even if you’re like me – not typically a huge fan of ham or pineapple on their own – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious this casserole truly is when all the ingredients come together in this delightful bake. It’s a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a memorable family meal, perfect for any occasion.
Unleash the Flavors: Essential Ingredients for Your Hawaiian Pasta Bake
Crafting this tropical pasta bake requires a selection of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a truly irresistible meal. Each component plays a vital role in building the unique flavor profile and satisfying texture of this dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather, along with some insights into why these ingredients are perfect for an authentic Hawaiian-inspired experience:
Hawaiian Pasta Bake
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked high-fiber penne pasta: For best results, use a high-fiber penne pasta. Remember to measure it uncooked (approx. 1 cup uncooked yields 2 cups cooked) to ensure the right quantity, as pasta expands significantly when cooked. Penne’s tubular shape is perfect for holding the rich sauce and diced ingredients, making every bite satisfying.
- 400 g about 14 oz of diced ham: Pre-cooked ham is ideal for this recipe, making prep incredibly quick. Look for lean ham to keep the dish lighter. The salty notes of ham beautifully complement the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a classic sweet-and-savory combination.
- 1.5 cups fresh chopped pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for that vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor and juicy texture. While canned pineapple can be used in a pinch, fresh offers superior taste and nutritional benefits. Dice it into bite-sized pieces that are easy to mix and eat.
- 1/3 cup pineapple sauce: This sauce adds a concentrated burst of pineapple flavor and acts as a binder, helping to create a cohesive dish. If you can’t find specific pineapple sauce, a good quality sweet and sour sauce can serve as an excellent substitute, providing a similar sweet and tangy profile.
- 1/4 cup fat-free or light ranch dressing: Ranch dressing introduces a creamy, savory tang that surprisingly harmonizes with the tropical flavors. Opting for a fat-free or light version helps manage the overall points/calories. You can even try a homemade zero-point ranch recipe for an even lighter option.
- 1/4 cup broth *chicken or vegetable*: A small amount of broth adds moisture and richness to the sauce, ensuring the pasta bake isn’t dry. Chicken or vegetable broth both work well, adding a savory depth without overpowering the main flavors.
- 2/3 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: Cheese provides that irresistible gooey, golden topping and helps bind the bake. Reduced-fat cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Hawaiian blend works wonderfully, melting perfectly over the pasta.
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes: These flakes are the secret ingredient for an authentic tropical touch, adding a subtle crunch and aromatic sweetness to the topping. Using unsweetened flakes prevents the dish from becoming overly sweet. I particularly enjoy Bob’s Red Mill unsweetened coconut flakes for their quality.
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add your high-fiber penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
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2. Preheat and Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the pasta bake from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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3. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, diced pre-cooked ham, and fresh chopped pineapple. Toss them gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
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4. Create the Flavorful Sauce: Add the pineapple sauce, fat-free or light ranch dressing, and chicken or vegetable broth to the bowl with the pasta mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta, ham, and pineapple are well coated with the creamy, tropical sauce. Finally, fold in about half of the reduced-fat shredded cheese, mixing until just combined.
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5. Assemble the Bake: Pour the entire pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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6. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining reduced-fat shredded cheese over the top of the pasta bake, followed by the unsweetened coconut flakes. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. For an extra golden and toasted coconut topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
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7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish makes 6 generous servings.
Nutritional Information & Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Pasta Bake yields 6 satisfying servings. Depending on your 0PP (Zero PersonalPoints) foods, each serving typically ranges from 4-8PP, 8 SmartPoints (Green & Blue plans), 4 SmartPoints (Purple plan), or 6 Points Plus. Nutritional information per serving (not including any optional zero-point pineapple in calculations, as values can vary widely):
- Calories: 262
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugars: 6.8g
- Protein: 20.2g
Serving Suggestions: Pair this vibrant pasta bake with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed fresh vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to complete your meal. A crusty roll or garlic bread would also be a fantastic accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.
Why This Hawaiian Pasta Bake Will Be Your New Favorite
Beyond its incredible flavor, this Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Pasta Bake offers several advantages that make it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and additions based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory ham, and creamy sauce over pasta creates a satisfying texture and taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Plus, the quick preparation time means you can have a hearty, home-cooked meal on the table even on busy weeknights, making it a fantastic choice for a comforting yet exotic family dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Bake
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure your penne is cooked al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly in the oven, and you want it to retain a pleasant chewiness, not become mushy.
- Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: While fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, if using canned, opt for pineapple in its own juice, not heavy syrup, and drain it very well before chopping. This prevents the dish from becoming overly sweet or watery.
- Broil with Caution: If you choose to broil the topping for the last few minutes to toast the coconut flakes, stay by the oven and watch it constantly. Coconut flakes can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar, or even a touch of smoked gouda, could add interesting dimensions and deeper flavor to your bake.
- Enhance Ham Flavor: If your ham isn’t particularly flavorful, consider quickly sautéing it in a pan with a touch of garlic powder or onion powder before adding it to the pasta mixture.
Variations to Explore
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding diced bell peppers (red or yellow for a vibrant color), finely chopped onions, or even some frozen peas or corn to the mix. Sauté heartier vegetables like bell peppers or onions briefly before adding them to the pasta.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of ham, or looking for something different? Cooked, diced chicken breast or even shredded turkey would make excellent substitutes, offering a leaner alternative while maintaining the core tropical flavors.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a tablespoon of finely diced jalapeño in the sauce mixture can add a delightful fiery note that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Sauce Enhancements: For an even richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the sauce mixture. A touch of ginger can also amplify the tropical profile.
- Herbal Infusion: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving can brighten the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
This pasta bake is fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire dish (without baking) and refrigerate it, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly from its chilled state. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freezing is also an option; bake, cool completely, cover tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual, adding extra baking time if needed.
