Papa'S Brunswick Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew combined with creamy pasta and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and those who enjoy rich, savory flavors with a hint of basil and thyme.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 oven stuffer chicken ⓘ
- 3 cups peeled diced potatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh lima beans ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh corn ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup liquid ⓘ
- 1 lb Penne pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 lb unsalted butter ⓘ
- 2 small cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 small box frozen asparagus ⓘ
- 1/4 lb Italian ham ⓘ
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the Penne pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a Teflon wok over medium heat and brown the minced garlic.
- Add the cooked asparagus, diced Italian ham, and heavy whipping cream to the butter in the wok.
- Increase the heat and boil until the cream has thickened.
- Turn off the heat and pour the cream, asparagus, and ham mixture over the cooked and drained Penne pasta.
- Mix well and, if desired, add grated cheese to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have Penne pasta, any short pasta will work as a substitute. You can also replace heavy whipping cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. For additional texture, try incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, similar to those used in Chicken And Zucchini Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta dish with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with vegetable sides like roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside crispy herbed chicken. For a comforting twist, try it with a bowl of Vegetable Bisque With Seafood for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a stovetop over low heat to gently warm the pasta without overcooking. You can add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce's consistency if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Papa'S Brunswick Stew contains roughly 1506 calories, with 33g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), and iron (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1462mg per serving (64% 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 use any short pasta shape, such as fusilli or farfalle, if you don't have Penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based liquids. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, and using plant-based cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Make sure to store the pasta in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove with a little added liquid to maintain its creamy consistency.
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).