Asparagus And Ham Mac And Cheese

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter.

Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook asparagus until tender yet firm to the bite, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove asparagus from the pot, reserving the water.

Step 3
Cook noodles in the reserved water from asparagus until tender yet firm to the bite, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain.

Step 4
Whisk milk, egg, flour, and pepper together in a bowl; stir in 2 cups Italian cheese blend and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, ham, and asparagus. Add noodles and toss to coat; transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Step 5
Mix bread crumbs and melted butter together in a bowl; add remaining Italian cheese blend and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over noodle mixture.

Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and top is lightly browned, 35 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.