Sunshine Ham and Pasta
Brighten up your dinner table with the vibrant flavors of Sunshine Ham and Pasta—a creamy, comforting dish that’s as cheerful as its name suggests! This quick and easy recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious, lemon-infused cream sauce, studded with savory diced ham, sweet yellow bell peppers, and juicy grape tomatoes. Fresh baby spinach adds a nutritious touch, while parmesan cheese and garlic create a rich depth of flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy a bowl of sunshine in every bite! Perfect keywords: creamy pasta recipe, easy ham and pasta, lemon cream sauce pasta, quick weeknight dinner, vibrant pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 zest of a lemon
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil.
Add the diced yellow bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly softened.
Stir in the grape tomatoes, diced ham, and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Add the grated parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce and ingredients.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the bright and comforting flavors of Sunshine Ham and Pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
574 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.5 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.4 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 1202 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.5 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 158 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 441 mg | 9% | |
*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.
