Name: Ham Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cups cubed fully cooked ham; 1 large sweet red pepper, finely chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

This quick and easy ham pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, pasta with ham is a great way to use up leftovers in your fridge.

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

3 cups cubed fully cooked ham

1 large sweet red pepper, finely chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1 Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, then drain.

2 Meanwhile, in a large skillet, warm the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the ham, red pepper and onion. Saute for four to six minutes, until the ham is browned and the vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and herbs and cook for one to two minutes longer, or until fragrant. Editor's Tip: If you don't have fresh herbs on hand for this recipe, you can substitute in dried herbs. To make the swap, use our fresh to dried herb conversion guide.

3 Make the pasta sauce

4 Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half.

5 Combine and serve

6 To finish, add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve. Editor's Tip: For added brightness and fresh lemon flavor, stir in an extra squeeze of lemon juice to the recipe just before serving.