Creamy Ham and Penne Pasta

Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 servings (1-1/3 cups each)

4.40 of 5 (5 ratings)

Zesty diced tomatoes, ham and peas combine with penne pasta in a creamy sauce

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces dry penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Mild Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1 pkg (8 oz each) 1/3 less fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), cubed
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup chopped fully cooked lean ham

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt; add peas last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain; set aside and keep warm.
In pan used for pasta, combine all remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese melts and mixture is bubbly. Stir in pasta and peas.

COOK'S TIPS

If your family prefers more heat, use Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 474 Serving Size: 4 servings (1-1/3 cups each)

3 people have reviewed Creamy Ham and Penne Pasta

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Rebecca D September 23, 2011

Overall Rating: 5 of 5 stars

I made this recipe for my boyfriend and I, and we absolutely LOVED it! Cooking is an absolute breeze, just make pasta and throw everything else in the pan and combine at the last minute. I had a hard time not going back for seconds and thirds! It was so delicious and made a ton of leftovers!

Mommin It Up May 26, 2011

Overall Rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this recipe was FAN-tastic. It was extremely easy and fast to make. I was unsure about combining ham and peas with Ro*tel but it was awesome! I think the cream cheese (neufchatel) is what really made all those flavors work together. I devoured it and I really enjoyed the leftovers the next day also. I just added a little milk to them and they warmed up great! As I said, this is really easy to make - since it takes pre-cooked, chopped ham you pretty much make pasta and then dump everything else into the same pan - it also made clean-up very easy. I really, really liked this and I am sure I will be making it again. My 7-year-old even ate it without complaining, woo hoo! Since he is extremely picky, you know that means it's good!

dhaun May 05, 2011