Penne with Asparagus Ham and Basil Weight Watchers
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and wholesome Penne with Asparagus, Ham, and Basil – a Weight Watchers-inspired recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor. Featuring tender whole-grain penne paired with crisp-tender asparagus, lean bites of ham, and fragrant fresh basil, this dish is brought to life with zesty lemon zest, a touch of garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a quick, satisfying meal that balances nutritious ingredients with rich, savory tastes. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe is a great choice for anyone counting points or simply looking for a delicious, balanced pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 225 grams whole-grain penne pasta
- 250 grams asparagus
- 100 grams lean ham
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 4-5 cm pieces.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
Dice the lean ham into small bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked pasta. Add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the mixture if needed.
Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet along with the lemon zest and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1246 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.1 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.9 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2114 mg | 92% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 181.5 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.2 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 68.7 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 478 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1400 mg | 30% | |
*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.
