Creamy Asparagus and Ham Penne with Fresh Basil
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Asparagus and Ham Penne with Fresh Basil, a dish that perfectly blends tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and hearty ham for a satisfying meal. Rich in flavor and vibrant in color, this recipe elevates your dining experience while keeping it healthy—thanks to Weight Watchers friendly ingredients. Whether you're serving it to family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs. Enjoy this delicious combination that celebrates the freshness of asparagus and the warmth of basil, all in a creamy sauce that's perfect for any occasion.
4
Servings
220
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne
2 cups (uncooked)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Tomato
1 large (coarsely chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (thinly sliced)
Red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Asparagus
1 lb (trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths)
Chicken broth
1 cup (low sodium)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Ham
1/2 lb (cubed)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3
Add the coarsely chopped tomato, sliced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes or until the tomato begins to soften.
4
Incorporate the trimmed asparagus, chicken broth, and lemon juice into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
5
Next, add in the cooked penne, cubed ham, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
6
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
26g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Asparagus and Ham Penne with Fresh Basil.
How many servings does this dish provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 220 calories.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy dish that is Weight Watchers friendly.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 26g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in this dish?
Each serving provides 2g of fiber.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths.
What size ham should be used?
You should use 1/2 lb of cubed ham.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced.
What type of broth is recommended?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended for this recipe.
How long should I cook the tomatoes and garlic?
Stir and cook them for about 5 minutes or until the tomato begins to soften.
How long does it take to cook the asparagus?
Once the broth and lemon juice are added, simmer for about 3 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
What should I do if the pasta mixture seems dry?
Add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
What is the heat setting for the skillet?
The olive oil should be heated in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there any spice in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is used for seasoning.
How much lemon juice is added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the recommended pasta texture?
The penne should be cooked until it is al dente.
How do I prepare the tomato?
One large tomato should be coarsely chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for quick meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is suitable for busy schedules.
What style of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is associated with Italian cuisine.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil for sautéing.
When should the ham and basil be added?
Add the cubed ham and chopped basil at the end, along with the cooked penne and Parmesan cheese.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.
What is the main vegetable ingredient besides tomato?
The primary vegetable featured in this dish is asparagus.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the nutrition data, the sugar content is null or not specified.