Penne with Asparagus Ham and Basil Weight Watchers
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and wholesome Penne with Asparagus, Ham, and Basil – a Weight Watchers-inspired recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor. Featuring tender whole-grain penne paired with crisp-tender asparagus, lean bites of ham, and fragrant fresh basil, this dish is brought to life with zesty lemon zest, a touch of garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a quick, satisfying meal that balances nutritious ingredients with rich, savory tastes. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe is a great choice for anyone counting points or simply looking for a delicious, balanced pasta dish.
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Ingredients
- 225 grams whole-grain penne pasta
- 250 grams asparagus
- 100 grams lean ham
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0 salt, to taste
- 0 black pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 4-5 cm pieces.
Step 3
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
Step 5
Dice the lean ham into small bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked pasta. Add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the mixture if needed.
Step 7
Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the skillet along with the lemon zest and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 8
Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (639g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1246.2 |
| Total Fat 34.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 10.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g | |
| Cholesterol 80mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2114.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 181.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 10.8g | |
| Protein 68.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 477.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1400.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories