Hey foodies!
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and scrumptious meal that sneaks veggies into your dinner plate without much fuss, you’ve landed on the right blog post! Today, I’m sharing a fabulous recipe for Pasta with Ham, Leeks, and Spinach that’s giving comfort food vibes all while staying light and healthy. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
This dish is one of those meals that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with nutrients – perfect for those weeknights when you’re craving both flavor and health. Plus, it’s one of my go-to Healthy Food Recipes that’s always a hit with the family. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!
### What You’ll Need:
– **8 oz of your favorite whole-grain pasta** – penne, fusilli, or anything you’ve got in the pantry works great.
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** – the golden elixir of healthy fats.
– **2 leeks** – trimmed, cleaned, and sliced into thin rings. Don’t be intimidated by these guys; they add such a delicate flavor.
– **2 cups fresh spinach** – packed with vitamins and minerals!
– **4 oz quality cooked ham**, diced – I love using leftover holiday ham for this!
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
– **¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese** – for that cheesy goodness without going overboard.
– **Salt and pepper** to taste.
– **A squeeze of lemon juice** – totally optional, but highly recommended for a fresh finish.
### Let’s Get Cooking:
1. **Cook the Pasta:**
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the type. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
_**Tip:** The reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It’s starchy and helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it that nice, silky texture._
2. **Sauté Time:**
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and a pinch of salt, cooking them gently until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
_**Insight:** Leeks are like the cool cousins of onions; they bring a mellow flavor and a subtle sweetness to your dishes._
3. **Add Some Green:**
Toss in the garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts down. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, so we’re really boosting those Healthy Food Recipes vibes here!
4. **Ham It Up:**
Stir in the ham, sauteing just until heated through. If you’re using something like cherrywood smoked ham, it adds a nice smoky depth to the dish.
5. **Bring It All Together:**
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a bit of the reserved pasta water. Mix everything together. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, adding more pasta water if needed, to create a nice creamy coating.
_**Tip:** The cheese melts into the pasta water, making a light but luxurious sauce. Who knew Healthy Food Recipes could be this dreamy?_
6. **Finishing Touches:**
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget that squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve immediately while it’s hot! Maybe with another sprinkle of Parmesan over the top, because why not?
### There You Have It!
A delightful, nutritious meal that’s ready in no time. This Pasta with Ham, Leeks, and Spinach definitely checks all the boxes for a tasty addition to your Healthy Food Recipes collection. If you give it a try, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out!
Until next time, keep those bellies full and happy!
Cheers,
[Your Name] 🙂