Ham and Pasta Skillet Dinner
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
598 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Ham and Pasta Skillet Dinner
Description
Ham and Pasta Skillet Dinner features small pasta cooked until just al dente, then combined in a skillet with a mixture of sautéed diced ham, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. The vegetables and ham are gently cooked in olive oil and butter with dried basil and oregano, then simmered in chicken broth and lemon juice until the liquid reduces by half, creating a concentrated, flavorful base. Parmesan cheese is added to provide a creamy, savory depth while fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a gentle herbal brightness. The overall texture is tender pasta coated in a rich, slightly tangy sauce with the bite of ham and softened vegetables.
The dish is designed to be served immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce and cheese, making it a practical one-pan meal. Its comforting flavor profile works well for casual dinners or quick weekday meals where the balance of protein, vegetables, and pasta can satisfy diverse appetites. The use of cooked ham makes the preparation straightforward without lengthy meat cooking times.
Ingredients
- 1 pound tube pasta or shell pasta, small
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups ham diced, fully cooked
- 1 large red bell pepper diced, sweet
- ½ medium onion chopped
- ¼ cup parsley fresh, minced
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ½ tsp oregano dried
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions – only cooking until al dente since pasta will continue to cook and soak up liquid when added to the skillet.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Add pepper, onion, and garlic and cook until vegetables are tender, about 4-6 minutes. Add ham, basil and oregano and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in broth (or stock) and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half (at first it looks like it will be way to “brothy” but never fear, if you are patient, it will reduce!).
- Stir drained pasta into ham and vegetable mixture. Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and toss. Sprinkle parsley and remaining parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 598 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 598kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 1271mg | 53% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.