Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that combines hearty ham, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta? Look no further than this mouthwatering Ham and Vegetables with Mostaccioli recipe! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Packed with colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini, savory ham, and a rich marinara sauce, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz mostaccioli pasta
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped bell peppers and zucchini, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and develop slight caramelization.
- Add diced ham to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to warm through and slightly brown at the edges.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with vegetables and ham. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated and heated.
- Add cooked mostaccioli pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to mix with the sauce, ham, and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow cheese to melt slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to perfect pasta is removing it from boiling water when it still has a slight bite. This prevents mushy pasta in your final dish.
- High heat is your friend: When sautéing vegetables, use medium-high heat to achieve slight caramelization, which adds depth of flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: Ensure vegetables have enough space to brown instead of steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Choose quality ingredients: Use a good marinara sauce and fresh vegetables for the best taste.
- Cheese melting trick: Covering the skillet for 1-2 minutes helps the mozzarella melt evenly and creates a beautiful, slightly gooey texture.
- Optional garnishes: Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan to elevate the dish's presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
