Because of the delicate flavors in this dish, we preferred using a mild baked ham to a smoked one.

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

1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed ham (about 8 ounces)

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese

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 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

NUTRITION PER SERVING

CALORIES 250(26% from fat); FAT 7.1g(sat 3.4g,mono 2.4g,poly 0.7g); PROTEIN 16g; CHOLESTEROL 52mg; CALCIUM 114mg; SODIUM 835mg; FIBER 2.7g; IRON 2.6mg; CARBOHYDRATE 30.9g