Ham Primavera
Ham Primavera combines tender ham, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering with a comforting Italian flair.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) pkg. thin spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed fully cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms and onion in oil until tender.
- Stir in flour, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in cooked and drained spaghetti, cubed ham, and thawed peas; heat through.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ham and substitute with sautéed bell peppers or zucchini. To save time, pre-cooked ham can be used, and feel free to experiment with other Italian recipes that feature pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ham Primavera with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Cacciatore for a hearty Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Primavera contains roughly 1381 calories, with 18g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1059mg per serving (46% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute thin spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, and keep an eye on the sauce's consistency to accommodate any changes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. Alternatively, you can serve the finished dish with a sprinkle of hot sauce or a side of spicy marinara for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Ham Primavera is great for meal prep. Simply prepare the dish and portion it out into containers. It reheats well and maintains its flavor, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).