Tortellini & Ham

Hello!  It has been a while since I shared a recipe!  Things have been very busy around here, as they always are when we are trying to establish a new routine.  Not only have the kids started school, they have all started up with new activities which is keeping us very busy.

Today I am going to share a recipe that I have been making for about 10 years.  It is one of my husband's favorites that his mother used to make for him.  The original recipe though, comes from his mom's twin sister, I believe.  This recipe is EXTREMELY rich.  I have actually made it quite a bit healthier than it was in it's original form.  Some of my changes are significantly less butter, more broccoli, and I also use some reduced-fat ingredients.  It is still very rich and delicious.

Here are the ingredients you will need to get started:

Tortellini & Ham

1 stick (1/2 c.) butter, softened

2 tsp. basil

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

4 Tbsp. Mayonnaise (reduced-fat is fine)

8 oz. Cream Cheese (I used reduced-fat), softened

1 c. half & half 

2 c. grated Parmesan

20 oz. package Cheese Tortellini (I use the ones in the freezer section but dried or refrigerated are also fine)

3 c. cooked ham, diced

16 oz. frozen broccoli florets 

Cook tortellini in boiling water according to package directions.  Add frozen broccoli florets during the last minute of cooking time.  Drain.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine butter, seasonings, mayo, cream cheese, & half & half in a large bowl.  Mix well.  Fold in Parmesan cheese, tortellini, ham, & broccoli.

Spoon into a greased 9x13 inch casserole.  Bake for 30 minutes.  

Make Ahead Tip:  If you would like to prepare this ahead of time, you can do everything but bake it.  Cover it up and put it into the refrigerator until you are ready for dinner.  At that point you can bake it at 350 for about 45 minutes.