Baked Pasta and Broccoli with ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

Debbie's Recipe

Baked Pasta and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

1 recipe guiltless alfredo sauce
3 ounces Pecorino cheese, grated (about 1 cups- could sub fresh grated Parmesan)
1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells or bowties
1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped (about 1 cups)
1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (3-5 cups)
optional: 1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko (Japanese bread crumbs) for serving.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to
a boil.  Cook pasta until slightly tender but not fully cooked, about
5 minutes.  (Note:  If you like your broccoli pretty tender, add it to
boiling pasta water for a minute before draining)  Drain well; return
to pot.  Add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine.
Transfer to an ovenproof 3 1/2 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle with
remaining pecorino, and bake until bubbling in center, about 30
minutes.  Heat broiler, and broil until golden brown on top, 1-2
minutes.  Divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs (if using), and
serve immediately.