Easy Pasta with Ham and Asparagus or Broccoli
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Easy Pasta with Ham and Asparagus or Broccoli—a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender pasta, your choice of vibrant asparagus or broccoli, and savory diced ham come together in a creamy Parmesan sauce that's rich yet lightened with a hint of lemon zest. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for a fuss-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With a silky sauce made from heavy cream or milk and perfectly sautéed garlic, it’s a simple yet elegant dish the whole family will love. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re craving a comforting one-pan dish, this recipe delivers satisfaction with minimal effort!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, bowtie, or spaghetti)
- 8 ounces asparagus or broccoli
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Rinse, trim, and cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces or cut the broccoli into small florets.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
Stir in the asparagus or broccoli and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
Pour in the heavy cream or milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Optionally, sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley for added freshness.
Serve the pasta warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.5 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.4 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 115 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 1162 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 26.6 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 293 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 357 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
