Who loves Pasta?

I was so excited to share this morning about the pasta dish I made the night before last.  And I was able to eat it again yesterday for lunch and dinner!  My kids absolutely loved it too so that was a score!

It just happens that on Kelly's Korner blog they are having a SUYL - Favorite Pasta Dish so this post falls into line perfectly.

Here is the recipe and I doubled the amount that it required so we were able to have leftovers the next day as well.  So, so good!!

Here it is, enjoy!

Creamy Ham and Penne Pasta

Prep Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 servings (1-1/3 cups each)

3.77 of 5 (13 ratings)

Zesty diced tomatoes, ham and peas combine with penne pasta in a creamy sauce

- See more at: http://www.ro-tel.com/recipes-Creamy-Ham-and-Penne-Pasta-5511.html#sthash.zGPQvqBk.dpuf

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces dry penne pasta, uncooked
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas
• 1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Mild Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
• 1 pkg (8 oz each) 1/3 less fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup chopped fully cooked lean ham

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt; add peas last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain; set aside and keep warm.
2. In pan used for pasta, combine all remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese melts and mixture is bubbly. Stir in pasta and peas.

COOK'S TIPS

1. If your family prefers more heat, use Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 474 Serving Size: 4 servings (1-1/3 cups each)

- See more at: http://www.ro-tel.com/recipes-Creamy-Ham-and-Penne-Pasta-5511.html#sthash.zGPQvqBk.dpuf

A couple of side notes, I did not use frozen peas, I took a can of peas and added them to the cream cheese and ham mixture about a minute before it was set to be taken off of stove.  I personally do not enjoy the taste of frozen peas.  This was a quick and tasty alternative.