Fresh Garden Primavera with Smoked Ham

The inspiration for this dish came from a recent issue of Taste of Home, but by the time I was done with it, it was really my own creation.  I thought I had everything listed on the original recipe needed for this, but as I was cooking it, I was taking things out and tossing additional things in.....ahh well, cooks have to get their inspiration from somewhere don't they?   It was also a great way to serve up lots of veggies and also use up some of the ham in my freezer. 



























Fresh Garden Primavera with Smoked Ham

1 lb. pasta (I used whole wheat penne pasta)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 lb. button mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini (about 3 small)
1/2 large red pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk (I use whole milk)
3/4 cup frozen peas
1 1/2 cups fully cooked ham, cubed
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Fresh basil, chiffonade cut 

Cook pasta according to package directions. 

In a large saute pan, melt butter and saute carrots for about 10 minutes--this will give them a head start in cooking since they are a lot firmer than the other veggies being added.  Add in mushrooms, zucchini, and red pepper and cook for an additional five minutes.  Stir in garlic and once it is fragrant, add in flour and stir to combine.  Immediately stir in milk.  Once sauce has started to thicken, stir in peas and ham and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add in cooked pasta and stir to combine.  Serve warm with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish. 

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This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap  
La Bella Vita's Fresh Clean and Pure Friday 
Life As Mom Ultimate Recipe Swap
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday 
This Chick Cooks Recipe Swap