A delightful casserole combining tender pasta, savory ham, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Combine the sour cream, milk, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Mix until smooth for an even distribution of flavors.
Add the cooked ham and broccoli to the creamy mixture and stir gently.
Ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the mixture.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute.
Undercooking the pasta slightly prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.
Spread the mixture evenly for uniform baking.
Sprinkle the crushed potato chips over the top.
For extra flavor, mix the chips with grated cheese before sprinkling.
Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Check halfway through to ensure the top doesn't overbrown.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Cooling allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.