Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Penne with Asparagus, Ham, and Basil, a Weight Watchers-friendly dish that harmonizes vibrant flavors and textures. This recipe is a harmonious blend of tender penne pasta, crisp asparagus, savory ham, and aromatic basil, all enveloped in a creamy and flavorful sauce.
In addition to the main recipe, we offer a collection of equally enticing variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and taste buds. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, our Penne with Asparagus and Peas is a delightful choice, featuring fresh peas that add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
For those who prefer a heartier option, our Penne with Ham and Broccoli is a satisfying indulgence, where broccoli florets lend a delightful crunch and nutritional value. And if you're craving a spicy kick, our Penne with Chorizo and Peppers will tantalize your taste buds with its zesty blend of chorizo, bell peppers, and a hint of chili flakes.
Our collection of recipes ensures that everyone can find their perfect match, providing a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.
PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES (SPRING)
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories main-dish
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.
SPRINGTIME PENNE
With ham, asparagus, onion and pasta in a creamy sauce, this stovetop supper is tasty enough for even your pickiest guests. It's great with penne, but you can also try it with mostaccioli or another type of pasta.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 20m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute asparagus and onion in butter for 5-8 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender., Add the ham, cream, pepper and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook over low heat for 1 minute. Drain pasta. Add to the asparagus mixture; toss to coat. If desired, top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 21g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 617mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein.
PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS, HAM, AND BASIL (WEIGHT WATCHERS)
Make and share this Penne With Asparagus, Ham, and Basil (Weight Watchers) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Chesska
Categories Penne
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick pan, over medium-high heat. Add the tomato, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook stirring occasionally until the tomato is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the asparagus, broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the asparagus is tender, about 3 minutes longer.
- Add the pasta, ham, basil and parmesan to the pan; toss to combine.
PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CREAM SAUCE
A beautifully simple garlicky cream sauce, roasted asparagus and whole wheat penne come together for an excellent vegetarian meal.
Provided by merron-iru kami
Categories Penne
Time 30m
Yield 8-16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to box directions.
- While pasta is cooking, wash asparagus, break off the woody stems and arrange on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Broil for 5-10 minutes until the asparagus is tender (to your personal taste). Once cooked, chop asparagus roughly and toss it with drained pasta in a large serving bowl.
- Melt butter in a sauce pan and add garlic, sauteing until it is turning golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in wheat flour to form a roux, being careful to avoid any lumps. When it is perfectly smooth, add white wine, whisking to incorporate.
- Return saute pan to the heat, allow alcohol to evaporate (should take about 30 seconds) and immediately whisk in heavy cream.
- Continuing to whisk, add shredded Gouda and stir gently until it melts. Once melted, add remaining ingredients and bring to temp., or just until the sauce begins to bubble.
- Pour sauce over pasta and asparagus. Toss and garnish with toasted walnuts, if desired.
PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND BASIL
Steps:
- Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper; sauté until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add asparagus, tomatoes, stock and 1/4 cup sliced basil. Cook until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Transfer to large bowl.
- Pour sauce over pasta. Add cheese, parsley and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal ingredients. Asparagus and basil are at their best in the spring and summer. Look for bright green asparagus spears with tight tips and no blemishes. Basil leaves should be deep green and fragrant.
- Don't overcook the asparagus. Asparagus should be cooked until it is tender-crisp, not mushy. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes in boiling water or until it is bright green and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Use a good quality ham. A good quality ham will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Look for a ham that is not too salty or processed.
- Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Try adding other vegetables, such as peas or broccoli, or using a different type of cheese.
Conclusion:
This penne with asparagus, ham, and basil is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover ham. The combination of tender asparagus, salty ham, and fresh basil is simply irresistible. Plus, this dish is Weight Watchers friendly, so you can enjoy it without guilt.
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