1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1½ cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese blend, divided
8 ounces smoked ham, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add tortellini; cook for 3 minutes. Add asparagus and peas; cook for 2 minutes. Drain mixture well.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, garlic salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth; cook until mixture begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1½ cups cheese until melted. Stir pasta mixture into cheese sauce until well combined. Stir in ham and bell pepper. Pour into prepared pan. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese.
Bake until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through, about 15 minutes.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/ham-cheese-tortellini-bake/