Yummy & Easy Recipe!

I fix this really easy pasta recipe a lot. Josh loves it so I thought I'd share it with you. I'm not a big ham person so I usually substitute the ham for steak or sausage and usually add red peppers to it and it turns out great!

Penne and Ham Primavera

Leftover ham goes Italian in this 25-minute meal for four.

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time:
Makes: 4 servings

2	cups uncooked penne or mostaccioli pasta (6 ounces)
1	cup sliced zucchini
1	cup sliced yellow summer squash
2	cups cubed fully cooked ham
1/2	cup reduced-fat Italian dressing *I think it takes more then 1/2 a cup so I just add to taste and texture*
1/4	cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3	cup shredded Parmesan cheese *I also add a little bit of shredded mozzarella on the top just before serving and it's GREAT!*
	Coarsely ground pepper, if desired

1.	Cook pasta as directed on package, adding zucchini and yellow squash during last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking; drain.
2.	Return pasta mixture to saucepan; add ham and dressing. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Sprinkle with basil, cheese and pepper.

(Success Hint)

We recommend reduced-fat Italian dressing because it clings very well to the pasta, vegetables and ham. In regular Italian dressing, the herbs and spices often separate and sink to the bottom of the bottle.

Select small zucchini, which are younger, more tender and have thinner skins. Look for skins that are blemish free with a vibrant color.

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving: Calories 390 (Calories from Fat 125); Total Fat 14g (Saturated Fat 4g); Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 1360mg; Total Carbohydrate 43g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 26g Percent Daily Value*: Iron 18% Exchanges: 2 Starch; 3 Vegetable; 2 Lean Meat; 1 Fat
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.