Lemon Pasta with Ham and Arugula

Name: Lemon Pasta with Ham and Arugula
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 350 g pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 200 g ham (sliced into thin strips); 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 cups arugula (washed and dried); to taste salt and pepper

30 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Lemon Pasta with Ham and Arugula

A refreshing pasta dish featuring zesty lemon, savoury ham, and peppery arugula for a delightful meal.

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Lemon Pasta with Ham and Arugula is an elegant yet simple dish that combines the zestiness of lemon with the savoury richness of ham and the peppery bite of fresh arugula. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a balance of flavours in their meals. The lemony flavour brightens the pasta, making it a great choice for a light lunch or dinner. The addition of ham provides a satisfying umami depth, while the arugula introduces a fresh, green element that rounds out the dish.

Ingredients

Servings

Pasta

Sauce

To Serve

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Pro tip: The reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce.

Prepare the sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine.

Pro tip: Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Add the ham

Add the sliced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Pro tip: Ensure the ham is evenly distributed in the skillet.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with the sauce and ham, gradually adding reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Pro tip: Tossing helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

Incorporate Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss until melted and combined.

Pro tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavour.

Finish with arugula

Remove from heat and fold in arugula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro tip: Add arugula just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavour.</li><li>Choose a good quality ham for enhanced taste.</li><li>Arugula adds a peppery note; feel free to adjust to taste.</li><li>Garnish with extra Parmesan for a richer finish.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon Pasta with Ham and Arugula with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to complement the citrus notes and balance the richness of the ham. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently to maintain the freshness of the arugula and the vibrancy of the lemon.