Tuesday, December 21, 2010

CREAMY PASTA SHELLS WITH BROCCOLI AND HAM


~ All You - December 17, 2010

1 lb. small pasta shells
4 c. small broccoli florets
2 T. unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 oz. cooked ham, chopped
3/4 c. heavy cream, warmed
1/2 c. grated parmesan
salt & pepper

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Add broccoli for last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Drain and return to pot.

While pasta is cooking, melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onion and saute until soft. Add ham and cook, stirring, 2 minutes longer. Stir in cream. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally for 3-5 minutes or until thickened.

Pour cream mixture over pasta and broccoli. Add cheese and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Notes: Yummy comfort food! I always add more broccoli and ham than the recipe calls for, which means I also need extra cream to keep things from being too dry. I usually use leftover roasted broccoli (easy on the salt, as ham is already salty) instead of cooking it with the pasta and never pre-warm the cream .  



2 comments:

Tiffany @ Eat at Home said...

Another good recipe to use all my cubed ham!

Anonymous said...

Finally, something my whole family will eat! Need to add a "Pin It" button. :)