Ham & Asparagus Pasta

This comforting pasta dish combines tender asparagus and salty ham with a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The sauce is built from stewed tomatoes and evaporated milk, creating a velvety texture that coats the multicolored pasta perfectly. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley add an aromatic Italian flair, while a hint of red pepper provides subtle warmth. It is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare. Ideal for family meals or when you need a hearty, one-pot-style main that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 17.0

Description

This comforting pasta dish combines tender asparagus and salty ham with a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The sauce is built from stewed tomatoes and evaporated milk, creating a velvety texture that coats the multicolored pasta perfectly. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley add an aromatic Italian flair, while a hint of red pepper provides subtle warmth. It is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare. Ideal for family meals or when you need a hearty, one-pot-style main that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

3/4 pound Fresh asparagus spears or

Directions

1
Trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears and cut them into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine stewed tomatoes, dried parsley, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
3
Bring the tomato mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until reduced to 2 1/2 cups.
4
Stir in evaporated milk and heat through gently; do not let the sauce boil after adding milk.
5
Meanwhile, cook the multicolored pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions.
6
During the last 4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the ham strips, sweet pepper strips, and asparagus pieces to the boiling water.
7
Drain the pasta and vegetable mixture thoroughly.
8
Transfer the hot pasta mixture to a serving platter.
9
Spoon the creamy tomato sauce over the pasta.
10
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 17.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.7mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 3.3g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
Sugars 1.6g
Protein 1.9g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The recipe tags indicate "Vegan," but the ingredients list includes ham and evaporated milk, which are animal products. Please remove the Vegan tag or substitute with tofu/vegan milk for a plant-based version.

To prevent the sauce from curdling, keep the heat low when adding the evaporated milk and never allow it to reach a rolling boil.

For best texture, blanch the asparagus in the pasta water rather than boiling it separately to retain nutrients and color.

Keywords: ham, asparagus, pasta, cream sauce, tomato sauce, italian, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, vegetables, comfort food, family meal, quick dinner

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/ham-asparagus-pasta/