Penne With Spinach & Ham

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A quick and creamy Italian-inspired pasta dish combining tender spinach, salty ham, and sharp cheddar.
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This comforting Penne with Spinach and Ham is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. The dish combines al dente pasta with wilted fresh spinach, salty smoked ham, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Tossed in a light garlic-infused oil with a kick of crushed red pepper, it offers a balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors. The texture is satisfyingly creamy without heavy cream, relying on the natural starch of the pasta water and melting cheese to bind the ingredients. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or when you need a quick, nutritious, and delicious comfort food fix.

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Penne With Spinach & Ham

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 170.1

Description

This comforting Penne with Spinach and Ham is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. The dish combines al dente pasta with wilted fresh spinach, salty smoked ham, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Tossed in a light garlic-infused oil with a kick of crushed red pepper, it offers a balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors. The texture is satisfyingly creamy without heavy cream, relying on the natural starch of the pasta water and melting cheese to bind the ingredients. It&# 226;ÂÂs a hearty, family-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or when you need a quick, nutritious, and delicious comfort food fix.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic-flavored oil, salt, and crushed red pepper.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of the hot pasta cooking water before discarding the rest.
  4. Add the hot drained pasta and the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water to the bowl with the oil mixture.
  5. Immediately toss the pasta with the fresh spinach, chopped ham, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Continue tossing vigorously until the spinach is wilted and the cheese has melted, creating a creamy coating.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 170.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.4g13%
Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 3262.1mg136%
Total Carbohydrate 19.7g7%
Dietary Fiber 1.7g7%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 4.3g9%

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

Keywords: penne, spinach, ham, cheddar, pasta, italian, quick, easy, dinner, cheese, garlic, red pepper, weeknight, comfort food, family meal, vegetables, protein, simple, delicious
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