Asparagus and Ham Casserole

Asparagus and Ham Casserole
(justcookalready.com)
Ingredients
· 1 (1-ounce) slice white bread
· 3 3/4 cups uncooked extra-broad egg noodles
· 2 1/2 cups (1 1/2-inch) sliced asparagus
· 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
· 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
· 1 cup whole milk
· 1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
· 1 tablespoon butter
· 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
· 8 ounces sliced, chopped deli ham
· 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
· 2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
What to do...
Preheat oven to 450°.
Place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs form to measure 1/2 cup.
Cook pasta in boiling water 7 minutes, omitting salt and fat. Add asparagus; cook 1 minute. Drain.
Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Place flour, thyme, salt, and pepper in medium bowl; gradually add milk and broth, stirring with a whisk until well-blended. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion; saute 4 minutes. Add milk mixture; cook until thick (about 4 minutes), stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in juice. Combine the pasta mixture, milk mixture, ham, and parsley in large bowl; spoon into a 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
Bake at 450° for 10 - 15 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden