Step 2

Preheat oven to 180°C

Step 5

Cook pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve.

Step 8

While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onion, stir with a wooden spoon and cook on medium heat for 4 minutes to soften. Add flour and cook for 4 minutes stirring to cook evenly.

Step 11

Add milk a small amount at a time until combined and thickened. Add barbecue sauce, ground paprika, tomato paste and salt. Stir to combine. Add half the cheese and stir until smooth.

Step 14

Add the cooked pasta and ham to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine. Transfer into an oven-proof dish spread with wooden spoon so the pasta sits flat.

Step 17

Sprinkle over with the rest of the cheese and top with panko bread crumbs.

Step 20

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.

Step 23

PER SERVE Energy 2676.5Kj • Protein 32.1g • Total Fat 37g • Saturated Fat 22.4g • Carbohydrates 43.2g • Sugars 9.9g • Sodium 1917.9mg

Step 25

Dietary and nutritional info supplied by NZ Nutrition Foundation.