Baked Ham and Pea Bucatini

Preheat oven to 350º F / 180º C. Grease a baking dish with butter.

Break the pasta in half and cook in salted boiling water according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain and refresh in cold water and drain again.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Sweat the onions until soft and translucent. Add the peas, season with salt and pepper and saute gently for 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat source and stir in the ham and half the cheese. Set aside.

In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons butter until foamy, stir in the flour and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Combine the pasta with the ham and pea mixture and transfer to butter baking dish. Pour sauce over the mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and dot with remaining butter.