Rotini and Cheese with Broccoli and Ham

This is a great way to use up leftover ham. As good as the recipe is combined, the best part is the cheese sauce. This is a great cheese sauce for anywhere you need it.

4 quarts water
2 cups uncooked rotini (about 8 ounces corkscrew pasta)
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) cubed light processed cheese (such as Velveeta Light)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped reduced-fat ham


Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes. Add broccoli; cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until pasta is done; drain.

While pasta cooks, lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Place flour in a medium saucepan; gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until mixture is thick, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat; stir in cheese and next 4 ingredients (cheese through pepper). Combine pasta mixture, cheese sauce, and ham.



--Adapted from Cooking Light magazine