Meatloaf and Melodrama

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Bow Ties with Ham and Asparagus

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Hi friends! Do you have any ham left over from Easter? Even though we had company, we still have a lot of leftover ham. After Christmas, I use the meat to make ooey gooey casseroles, but I like to serve lighter dishes now that it’s warming up. So yesterday, I combined two different foods from our Easter table and made this easy Bow Ties with Ham and Asparagus. Not only was it nice and light, but it was super tasty, and perfect for spring!

farfalle pasta with ham asparagus lemon and Parmesan cheese


We love having ham sandwiches for lunch, and even ham and eggs on the weekend, but this is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Even the picky eaters don’t have much to complain about!


Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked ham
  • 1 pound mini bow tie pasta
  • 1 cup asparagus, cooked and cut up
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese or cheese blend 


Directions

Cook the pasta according to package directions, and drizzle with olive oil after draining the pasta water. Set aside.
In a large skillet, saute the garlic in a little bit of olive oil until just soft.
Add the ham and asparagus, and heat until warm.
Add the butter and remaining olive oil, and after the butter melts, add the pasta, seasonings, and stir until fully coated.
Add the lemon juice over the pasta, and stir well.
Top with Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

bow tie pasta with ham and asparagus and lemon juice and parmesan cheese


If you don’t have any leftover asparagus, you can always pre-cook some in the microwave until it’s just tender and then add that to the pasta. You could even substitute peas if you happen to have those.

The nice thing about this pasta dish is that it’s very light, and the lemon gives it a little extra zing. I’m not a big fan of cream sauces, although the Hubby is, and even he thought that the sauce was just right.

mini bow ties with asparagus, ham and Parmesan cheese


You could serve the bow ties with ham and asparagus alone for a light dinner, or you could add a salad and some homemade garlic bread if you have a hungry crowd to feed. And, the leftovers even taste good cold — like pasta salad!

Thanks for visiting! 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miz Helen says

    This is a great combination and looks delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday this week and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

  3. Dee M says

    That's funny, Michele — we also bought two hams! Thanks so much for the compliment — I'm still learning! 🙂

  4. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    What a coincidence – I made something very similar for dinner yesterday! I LOVE having leftover ham! We bought two 9 pound hams for Easter – lots to give away and for us to keep to make fabulous leftovers – def one of my fav leftover meats! Your foodie pics are always so mouthwatering pretty!