Creamy Vegetable Pasta with Ham

This delicious dish features a delightful blend of pasta, vegetables, and tender ham, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. The combination of short pasta like bow-ties, spirals, or shells ensures an interesting texture, while mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini contribute a medley of flavors and colors. A rich and creamy sauce made from melted butter and herb-infused cottage cheese perfectly coats the pasta and vegetables. The addition of fresh thyme, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors beautifully. Whether you serve it as a main course or a substantial side, this dish is sure to satisfy. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for those seeking a quick yet nutritious meal. Pair it with a green side salad for a complete meal that's as balanced as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 g of short pasta (bow-ties, spirals, or shells)
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
250 g of mushrooms
2 carrots
2 small zucchinis
2 tablespoons of melted butter
0.25 liters of vegetable broth
100 g of herb-flavored cottage cheese
150 g of cooked ham

Spices

Salt
Pepper
1 teaspoon of chopped thyme

Preparation Time

45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
Clean the Mushrooms: Wipe the mushrooms gently using a damp cloth and trim their stems. Depending on their size, cut them into halves or quarters.
Grate the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and trim the carrots and zucchinis. Grate them using a coarse grater for a more texture-rich dish.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pan, heat the melted butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn translucent.
Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the garlic and mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms have reduced in size and are tender.
Add the Broth and Cheese: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cottage cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Mix in the Grated Vegetables: Incorporate the grated carrots and zucchinis into the pan, ensuring they are well combined with the creamy sauce.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and chopped thyme to the mixture. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Ham: Trim any fat from the ham and slice it into thin strips.
Combine Everything: Gently fold the cooked pasta and the ham strips into the vegetable mixture in the pan, allowing the flavors to meld.
Heat and Serve: Allow the dish to warm completely. Serve it hot, accompanied by a fresh green salad for added freshness.

Bon appétit!

Tips

Substitutions: Feel free to replace ham with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Options: Use ricotta or mascarpone for a milder flavor instead of herb-flavored cottage cheese.
Vegetable Variations: Try adding bell peppers or peas for extra color and sweetness.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 18g
Fats: 10g
Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
To make a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for balance.
Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Best Places

Pastaio - A lively spot renowned for its fresh handmade pasta. Location: 19 Ganton St, London, United Kingdom.
Trattoria Sostanza - Famous for serving traditional Tuscan dishes in a warm ambiance. Location: Via della Porcellana, 25/r, Florence, Italy.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele - Known for authentic Italian flavors and pizza. Location: Via Cesare Sersale, 1/3, Naples, Italy.
La Carbonara - Offers a cozy atmosphere with a range of classic Italian dishes. Location: Via Panisperna, 214, Rome, Italy.
Criniti's - An Australian favorite for its wide array of Italian cuisine. Location: 291 Church St, Parramatta NSW, Australia.
Café di Siena - Known for its elegant decor and extensive Italian menu. Location: 33 E Main St, Rochester, USA.
Osteria Francescana - A three Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its modern Italian dishes. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
Bar La Buchetta - Offers delightful pasta dishes with a view of the river Arno. Location: Via dei Benci, 3, Florence, Italy.
Enoteca Pinchiorri - Renowned for its exquisite wine pairings and Italian cuisine. Location: Via Ghibellina, 87, Florence, Italy.
Globus Cooking Studio - Combines cooking classes with a dining experience in Zurich. Location: Lintheschergasse 7, Zürich, Switzerland.