Pasta with Broccoli, Ham and Cheese

A recipe that always comes out when there is leftover ham in the refrigerator, this colorful and very healthy dish tastes great. Use just deli ham from the grocery store or dress it up with some fancy cured ham such as real Italian Prosciutto.

Ingredients:
16 ounces Dreamfields™ Penne Rigate
1 head fresh broccoli ( or 1 10-ounce package frozen broccoli)
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces ham, cut into small strips
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. Wash and trim the broccoli florets away from the stems. Cook the fresh (or frozen) broccoli in a small amount of water in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, or until “crisp-tender.” Drain and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the oil in a small skillet and add the ham and broccoli florets. Cook for 1 minute, stirring. 4. Toss the ham-broccoli mixture into the hot pasta with the cheese.
5. Taste and correct the seasonings. Serve immediately.

Nutritionals per serving: (8 servings)
CALORIES: 288
PROTEIN: 16 g
DIGESTIBLE CARBOHYDRATES: 15 g
FAT: 7 g
CHOLESTEROL: 6 mg
SODIUM: 124 mg
FIBER: 7 g