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Oma Darling

Leftover Ham and Creamy Pasta

5 from 1 vote
Use up leftover ham in this flavorful, creamy, sauce tossed with your favorite pasta.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cook Pasta to package directions 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups leftover ham, cubed smokey ham lends the best flavor
  • 16 ounces Penne or Rigatoni Use your favorite pasta
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 large sweet bell pepper, finely chopped Yellow or red peppers are sweetest
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup minced parsley
  • 1-2 med zucchini, chopped
  • 1-1/2 tsp salt may need to alter dependng on the saltiness of your ham
  • 1/2-1 tsp red, pepper flakes alter depending to your love of spicy foods
  • 2 tsp dried, basil
  • 1-1/2 tsp dried, oregano
  • 1/2 cup shredded, Parmesan Cheese
  • 3 cup heavy, whipping cream

Method
 

  1. Heat a pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions, drain.
  2. Meanwhile in a large skillet, heat oil and butter or medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, zucchini, ham, red pepper.  Cook and stir approximately 10  minutes or until ham is browned and vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and herbs and cook an additional 3 minutes.
  3. Then, add in heavy cream and Parmesan Cheese, stir well. After cream and cheese is incorporated into the vegetable and ham, add in cooked pasta and toss to coat.  Serve topped with additional Parmesan Cheese to taste.

Notes

*Use any pasta you love. I usually use a pasta that is tubular or has texture, so that the creamy, sauce clings to it better.
*Smokey ham adds an amazing flavor to this dish, however use any leftover ham you have on hand.
*You may have to alter the salt to the sauce based on how salty your ham and parmesan cheese are.
*If you have leftover vegetables, you can alter the veg that you add to this. I used zucchini and bell pepper because I had in on hand. I have used frozen peas and corn as well with a wonderful result.