Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 1/2 cups uncooked bow tie or rotini pasta (7 oz)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 6 oz turkey ham, sliced thin & cut into thin strips
• 6 oz light cream cheese (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup skim or 1% milk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until desired doneness.
2. Add the frozen peas to the saucepan during the last 6 minutes of cooking time. Then, add the turkey ham to the saucepan during the last 1 minute of cooking time.
3. Drain the pasta, peas, and ham; return them to the pan.
4. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and milk using a wire whisk.
5. Stir the cream cheese and milk mixture into the hot cooked pasta, peas, and ham. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes or just until thoroughly heated.
6. Serve the creamy ham and pasta immediately.

Note:

1. This recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving being approximately 1 1/4 cups.
2. Each serving contains 3 breads, 1 1/2 proteins, and 1 fat.
3. The nutritional information per serving is approximately 370 calories.

Here are a few ideas:

1. VEGETABLE MEDLEY: Add more vegetables to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. You can include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli florets, or diced zucchini. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the pasta mixture for a nice texture.
2. ITALIAN SEASONING: Enhance the flavors with Italian herbs and spices. Add dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder to the cream cheese and milk mixture. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
3. SPICY KICK: If you enjoy some heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese and milk mixture. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce.
4. CHEESY ADDITIONS: Experiment with different types of cheese. Instead of using only cheddar, you can mix in shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a richer and more diverse cheese flavor.
5. HERB-INFUSED OIL: Drizzle some herb-infused oil over the pasta for added fragrance and taste. Use oils infused with basil, rosemary, or garlic to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
6. Pasta: This recipe calls for bow tie or rotini pasta, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer. The pasta is cooked until al dente, giving it a tender yet slightly firm texture.
7. Ham: Turkey ham is used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with regular ham if you prefer. The ham is sliced into thin strips and added to the pasta for a protein-rich component.
8. Peas: Frozen peas are a colorful and nutritious addition to the dish. They are added to the boiling pasta during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to thaw and become tender.
9. Cream Cheese Sauce: The creamy sauce is made by combining softened light cream cheese and milk. The cream cheese adds a rich and velvety texture to the dish, while the milk helps to thin it out and create a smooth consistency.
10. Cooking Process: Once the pasta, peas, and ham are cooked, they are drained and returned to the pan. The cream cheese and milk mixture is then stirred into the hot pasta mixture and heated through for a minute or two.