Hey friends! 🌿

Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet, where the kitchen is always bustling, and delicious aromas invite you in like a warm hug. Today, I’ve got a special recipe that’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something healthy yet super satisfying—Garlic Ham Pasta with Spinach! This dish checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, easy to make, and on the table in just about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s packed with ingredients that’ll have you feeling good from the inside out. Let’s dig in!

**Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:**

– **Quick & Easy**: Perfect for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence.
– **Healthy Food Recipes Staple**: Packed with spinach and lean ham for a health boost.
– **Flavorful**: Garlic, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of love? Yes, please!

### Ingredients

– 12 oz whole wheat pasta (your choice, I love using penne or fusilli)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced (because more garlic is always better, right?)
– 8 oz cooked ham, diced
– 5 oz fresh spinach leaves (or more… Seriously, they wilt down so much!)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (well, maybe a little more for garnishing)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like a little kick)

### Steps

1. **Prepare Your Pasta:**
– Boil a large pot of salted water. Once it’s rolling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water (we may need it to make our sauce perfectly glossy).

2. **Sauté the Garlic and Ham:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, and let it get nice and fragrant—about 1 minute should do.
– Add the diced ham, stirring occasionally until it’s lightly browned and the kitchen smells heavenly.

3. **Incorporate the Spinach:**
– Pile in that spinach! It may seem like a lot, but it’ll shrink down faster than you can say “Healthy Food Recipes.” Stir it around until it’s just wilted and tender.

4. **Mix in the Pasta:**
– Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will create a silky sauce that clings to every bite. If it looks a bit dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.

5. **Cheese & Final Seasoning:**
– Sprinkle the Parmesan over the pasta, stirring until it’s well distributed and melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

6. **Serve with Love:**
– Divide into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, and maybe a sprig of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every bite!

### Tips & Tricks

– **Ham Options**: Feel free to use turkey or chicken instead of ham. Keep it versatile based on what you have!
– **Cheese Swap**: No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a wonderful substitute!
– **Gluten-Free Version**: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep this recipe friendly for all.

This Garlic Ham Pasta with Spinach is one of those Healthy Food Recipes that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition. It feels indulgent yet nurturing, hitting that sweet spot between comfort food and health-conscious eating. Remember, the joy of cooking lies not just in eating but in experimenting and making it your own.

I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes a staple in your repertoire as it has in mine. Let me know in the comments how it turned out or any nifty tweaks you made. Your creativity inspires me every day.

With love and garlic-scented kisses,
[Your Name] 🍝❤️

P.S. If you’re a fellow veggie lover, doubling the spinach never hurt anyone! Enjoy spinning this recipe into your own kind of delicious magic.