Description
This easy Leftover Ham One-Pot Pasta is a great way to use up leftover ham and makes its own better-for-you magical cream sauce while it cooks. It’s a kid-approved easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 cup leftover ham, finely diced
- 1 pound (16 ounces) bow tie pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole or reduced fat milk (skim/fat free milk may curdle)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Juice of one lemon
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ham and saute for about 1 minute. Add pasta, broth and milk and bring to a simmer* over medium-high heat, stirring often.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking and stirring often until pasta is cooked to al dente and liquid has reduced to a sauce consistency, about 10 – 12 minutes. If liquid absorbs before pasta is cooked, add an extra 1/2 cup of liquid. Be sure to keep the temperature at a simmer — the sauce may curdle at a higher temperature.
- Add cheese, peas and spinach or kale, stirring until mixture is fully incorporated and veggies are heated through.
- Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and, if desired, additional parmesan cheese.
Notes
* Be sure to keep the temperature at a simmer — the sauce may curdle at a higher temperature.
Keywords: Leftover Ham, One-Pot Pasta, Weeknight Dinners, Easy Dinners, Kid-friendly meals