Ham and Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound asparagus, fresh or frozen (10 oz. pkg.)
• 32 ounces canned stewed tomatoes, cut up
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper, (optional)
• 1 cup evaporated skim milk
• 10 ounces multicolored pasta
• 6 ounces lean cooked ham, cut into bite size strips
• 1 cut into strips green or red bell pepper
• grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Directions

Snap off and discard the woody bases from the fresh asparagus, if using. Bias-slice the asparagus into 1-inch pieces. (Or thaw and drain the frozen asparagus.)

FOR SAUCE, in a medium saucepan combine stewed tomatoes, parsley, basil, oregano, and ground red pepper, if desired. Bring to boiling. Simmer the sauce, uncovered, about 15 minutes or till reduced to 2-1/2 cups, stirring occasionally. Add the evaporated milk all at once, stirring constantly. Heat mixture through; do not boil.

Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions EXCEPT add the asparagus, ham and sweet pepper to the boiling water during the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain pasta and vegetables.

To serve, place pasta mixture on a serving platter. Spoon the sauce over the pasta. Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve at once. Save leftovers for lunch the next day.

Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: Internet
Submitted By: Marlen
matchlessm@aol.com
Ham and Asparagus Pasta