Smoked Ham Linguine

Smoked Ham Linguine
serves 4

Ingredients
450g/1lb dried linguine
450g/1lb broccoli florets
225g/8oz smoked ham, cut into thin strips
For the cheese sauce
25g/1oz butter
1 tablespoon plain flour
250ml/9fl oz milk
2 tablespoons single cream
pinch of ground nutmeg
50g/2oz Cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the linguine and broccoli, and cook for 10 minutes Until the pasta is al dente. Drain the linguine and broccoli thoroughly, then set aside and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a non-stick saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring all the time using a wooden spoon. Stir in the cream and season with the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to reduce, then remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses.Stir until the cheeses have melted and blended into the sauce.
• Toss the linguine, broccoli and ham in the cheese sauce, then gently warm through over a very low heat. Divide the pasta among four serving bowls, and serve immediately.