Ham And Vegetables With Mostaccioli
A quick and hearty dish combining tender pasta, flavorful ham, and fresh vegetables in a creamy basil-infused sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package directions and drain.
- In a saucepan, combine sliced zucchini, sliced green onion, and 1/4 cup water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Drain the vegetables well.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, dried basil, and marjoram with evaporated skim milk.
- Add the milk mixture to the saucepan with vegetables and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in chopped cooked ham and heat through.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the ham and vegetable sauce, toss to coat, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or a splash of lemon juice to the vegetable mixture. You can substitute mostaccioli with penne or rotini if preferred. If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or a protein-rich option like chickpeas. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad like Mother'S Salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted potatoes. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the flavor. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Vegetables With Mostaccioli contains roughly 428 calories, with 18g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 44g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables like zucchini and green onions work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they are sliced evenly for consistent cooking. Fresh ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute mostaccioli with a gluten-free pasta option, such as rice or corn-based pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, especially the cornstarch and canned milk, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Is there a way to increase the creaminess of the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess. Alternatively, blending some of the cooked vegetables into the sauce can also create a smoother texture while enhancing the flavor.
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).