photo by: Valerie Boese/Mother Earth News

Ham Alfredo Pasta

Baked ham is a popular main course, but don’t forget its versatility when added to everyday dishes. Its succulent flavor can quickly turn ordinary fare into extraordinary meals.

Ham Alfredo Pasta

Yields 6 servings.

Ingredients:

12 ounces pasta

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups coarsely chopped broccoli

2 tablespoons butter

2⁄3 cup sour cream

5 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 1⁄2 cups whole milk

1⁄2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Black pepper, to taste

2⁄3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sherry, white wine, or chicken broth

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 teaspoon dry, plus more for serving

2 cups cooked, coarsely chopped ham

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding the bay leaves to the water. Drain.

In a large bowl, toss pasta with olive oil. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

Place broccoli in a 2-quart saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let broccoli stand in water for 3 minutes. Drain.

While pasta and broccoli are cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add sour cream, cream cheese, milk, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, a dash of pepper, and Parmesan cheese, and whisk until smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in sherry, parsley, and ham, and cook for 4 minutes, or until creamy and somewhat thick. If sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little additional milk.

Add broccoli and sauce to pasta, and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Garnish with additional parsley, and serve with additional Parmesan.