Creamy Ham and Broccoli Penne Alfredo
Indulge in this rich and creamy dish featuring tender penne pasta, savory cubed ham, and vibrant broccoli florets coated in a velvety Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck, this one-dish meal combines the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving family or friends, this creamy delight is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
6 cups (uncooked)
cooked ham
2 1/2 cups (cubed)
broccoli florets
5 cups (raw, broken up small)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
white onion
1/2 cup (minced)
half-and-half
1 1/2 cups
milk
1 - 1 1/4 cups
parmesan cheese
1 3/4 cups (shredded)
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the raw broccoli florets to the pot. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
2
In the same empty pot over medium heat, add the cooked cubed ham. Stir and warm the ham until heated through.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until the onions are translucent, without letting them brown.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually add the half-and-half and milk, stirring constantly. Then, add in the shredded parmesan cheese, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through.
5
Pour the creamy sauce over the penne and broccoli mixture in the pot. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.
6
Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Broccoli Penne Alfredo?
It is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring penne, cubed ham, and broccoli florets coated in a homemade Alfredo sauce.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of uncooked penne pasta.
How is the broccoli prepared?
Use 5 cups of raw broccoli florets, broken up into small pieces.
When should I add the broccoli to the pasta?
Add the raw broccoli florets to the pot during the last 5 minutes of the pasta's cooking time.
What kind of ham is best for this dish?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of cooked ham, cut into cubes.
What are the ingredients for the Alfredo sauce?
The sauce is made with butter, minced white onion, half-and-half, milk, shredded parmesan cheese, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder.
How do I start the sauce base?
Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan and sauté 1/2 cup of minced white onion until translucent.
What type of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 3/4 cups of shredded parmesan cheese.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
While you can substitute black pepper, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper to maintain the clean, white appearance of the Alfredo sauce.
How much garlic powder is needed?
You should use between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, depending on your preference.
What kind of milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half and 1 to 1 1/4 cups of regular milk.
Should the onions be browned?
No, sauté the onions only until they are translucent; do not let them brown.
How do I warm the ham?
After draining the pasta and broccoli, place the cubed ham in the same empty pot over medium heat and stir until heated through.
Is this a good recipe for using leftovers?
Yes, it is an excellent way to use up leftover cooked ham.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Gradually add the milk and half-and-half while stirring constantly, and continue stirring until the parmesan cheese has completely melted.
Is this dish suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Can I garnish this pasta?
Yes, it is recommended to serve it hot and garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the broccoli cooked separately?
No, it is cooked in the same pot as the pasta during the final minutes of boiling.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of minced white onion.
Can this be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, vegetables, and pasta.
How do I mix the sauce with the ingredients?
Pour the creamy sauce over the penne, broccoli, and ham mixture, then gently toss everything together.
What temperature should I use for the sauce?
Start the sauce on medium-low heat and maintain that temperature as you add the dairy and cheese.
How much salt should I add?
Use between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, depending on your taste.
What is the preparation for the pasta?
The penne should be cooked in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe calls for garlic powder.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt added later.
What is the serving suggestion?
Serve the dish hot immediately after mixing for the best texture and creaminess.
How should the ham be cut?
The ham should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.