Asparagus Ham Dinner
A vibrant and wholesome pasta dish combining tender asparagus, colorful bell peppers, savory ham, and melted cheese, all tossed with al dente rotini. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, it offers fresh flavors and a comforting texture that appeals to a variety of tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 c. uncooked rotini noodles ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium sweet yellow bell pepper, julienned ⓘ
- 2 medium sweet red bell peppers, julienned ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. diced fresh tomatoes
- 6 oz. fully cooked ham, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. shredded Parmesan or Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotini noodles according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a non-stick skillet, sauté the asparagus, yellow bell pepper, and red bell peppers in olive oil until tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chopped ham to the skillet and heat thoroughly.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the vegetable and ham mixture.
- Stir in the salt, oregano, basil, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or Swiss cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cut vegetables or frozen asparagus. You can swap the rotini for any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. If you're looking to add more protein, diced chicken or turkey can work well. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor, so feel free to experiment with thyme or rosemary alongside the parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette can elevate the salad, while a glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the asparagus. For a heartier option, consider serving with a side of roasted potatoes or a slice of your favorite layered sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Ham Dinner contains roughly 665 calories, with 29g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (260% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1989mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen asparagus can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to prevent sogginess. Keep in mind that frozen asparagus may have a slightly different texture, but it will still work well in this dish.
What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for ham, cooked chicken or turkey can be excellent options. For a vegetarian version, try using sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for added protein. You could also use smoky tempeh to maintain a similar flavor profile.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the rotini noodles for a gluten-free pasta alternative, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta. Be sure to check the other ingredients, like the cheese, to ensure they are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).