Pesto Salad With Smoked Ham And Penne Food

CREAMY HAM AND PENNE PASTA

Steps:

• 1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt; add peas last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain; set aside and keep warm.
• 2. 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.

PESTO SALAD WITH SMOKED HAM AND PENNE

Steps:

• Assemble all ingredients in a large salad bowl and toss. Have "extra" balsimic on the side, should your guests like even more I like to serve this with a nice artisan bread and a chilled Chardonnay

PENNE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Meanwhile, pluck the basil leaves from the stems (you should have about 2 cups leaves). Wash the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Smash and peel the garlic.
• Put the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until the pesto is smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and stir in the cheese. Season with the salt and some pepper.
• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously. Add the penne and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and save about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the bowl. Use tongs and toss with enough of the cooking water so the pesto coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
• Upgrades: a. Make the pesto creamy by adding 1/4 cup ricotta cheese when processing the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This is great with tortellini or ravioli. b. Top dressed pesto pasta with 1/2 pound diced large or halved small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 3 medium tomatoes cut in large chunks, and 1/2 cup pitted black olives, (we like kalamata for this), roughly chopped. c. Add cooked 1 to 2 cups chicken or shrimp.
• Twists on Pesto: In place of basil, try the following combination: 1 cup parsley, 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves. Substitute walnuts for the pine nuts

SMOKED SALMON PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic until onion is transparent and mushrooms are tender. Stir in tomato paste, pesto sauce, fresh basil, water, and smoked salmon; cook gently for 5 to10 minutes, or until desired consistency is achieved.
• Drain pasta. Serve sauce over noodles.

PENNE PESTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water, just until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain.
• Combine pasta and pesto in large bowl. Stir in mozzarella, tomatoes, Parmesan and olives. Chill until ready to serve. Serve garnished with basil sprigs, if desired.

PRETTY PENNE HAM SKILLET

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add ham, red pepper and onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until ham is browned and vegetables are tender. Add garlic and herbs; cook 1-2 minutes longer., Stir in broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese.

SMOKED HAM AND PENNE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss together pasta, ham, and onions; season with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard.
• Fold into pasta.

HAM PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss macaroni with ham, green pepper, tomato and onion. In a small bowl, combine Miracle Whip, Parmesan cheese, milk and salt. Pour over pasta mixture and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate. , Sprinkle with additional Parmesan before serving.