Preparation time
15 minutes
Ready in
25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Makes
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups (750 mL) penne pasta, about 8 oz (250 g)
- 1 bunch Ontario Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
- 1 Ontario Onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) sodium reduced chicken broth or low-fat milk
- 1 cup (250 mL) diced Ontario Smoked Ham (about 4 oz/125 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated lemon rind
- 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5 mL) fresh thyme
- Pinch pepper
- 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) grated Ontario Asiago Cheese
Instructions
In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until almost tender; about 8 minutes. Add asparagus; cook until pasta and asparagus are tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and place in large warm bowl.
Meanwhile, in saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and add ham, lemon rind, mustard, thyme and pepper; simmer a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 cup (250 mL) of the cheese just until melted; remove from heat. Pour sauce over pasta and asparagus; toss well. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Tip: Instead of Asiago try a well aged Ontario Cheddar cheese or smoked Cheddar.
Nutritional Information
When recipe serves 6:
- Protein: 17 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrate: 39 grams
- Fibre: 2 grams
- Calories: 358