STOVETOP PASTA AND HAM

Stovetop Pasta and Ham image

Provided by Maggie M

Number Of Ingredients 16

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4 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp better than bouillon roasted chicken flavor
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 c milk
3/4 c grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c chopped green onion .. white and green parts
1/2 c baby green peas - fresh or frozen
2 Tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper - you can use green if you prefer
1 - 2 c diced ham
4 oz rotini pasta
1/4 c very thinly sliced carrot - using a mandolin makes this easy
1/4 c very thinly sliced celery - using a mandolin makes this easy
canned onion rings for garnish
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In medium size pot melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 3 minutes. Add the Better Than Bouillon, salt and pepper and whisk until the BTB is melted and blended in. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes or so.
2. Add the parmesan cheese, green onion, peas, red bell pepper and ham to the mixture and stir. Cook - uncovered - over low heat until heated through. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
3. While the sauce is cooking, boil the Rotini pasta, the thinly sliced carrots and thinly sliced celery for 10 minutes or until the Rotini is of the doneness you prefer.
4. Do not drain the pasta. Using a slotted spoon, scoop it into the sauce and stir to coat. Use a little of the pasta water to thin the sauce if you find it to be too thick.
5. Heat through then serve in a bowl with a sprinkling of canned onion rings for garnish if desired. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy !