Favorite Freezer Pasta Casserole

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 -In a large pot of salted, boiling water, add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 3 -Drain the pasta and keep it warm.

Step 4 -In a large, thick-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 5 -Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds-1 minute.

Step 6 -Add the flour, while whisking, and continue to cook and whisk until the raw flour smell disappears and the flour turns golden, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7 -Slowly add the milk and the heavy cream to the flour mixture, while whisking constantly, 1/4 cup at a time and fully incorporating before adding more, until all of the milk and the heavy cream are incorporated.

Step 8 -Increase the heat to medium heat.

Step 9 -Add 1/4 teaspoon of the nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning and stir to combine.

Step 10 -Add 1/2 of the parmesan and 1/2 of the mozzarella and whisk and stir to combine.

Step 11 -Add 3/4 teaspoon of the salt to the sauce mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 12 -Add the water and stir to combine.

Step 13 -Add the cooked pasta, the ham, the parsley, and the green onions to the sauce mixture and gently stir to combine.

Step 14 -Taste the pasta mixture for seasoning and add the extra nutmeg, the extra black pepper, the extra Italian seasoning, and the extra salt, as needed.

Step 15 -Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish. If you're going to freeze the casserole, be sure to use a dish that can go in the freezer.

Step 16 -Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and the remaining mozzarella over top of the pasta mixture. If you're not going to bake immediately, cover and freeze the casserole.

Step 17 -If serving immediately, bake until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 18 -Serve hot, garnished with the fresh herbs.