HAM & RED PEPPER PASTA

I've got another recipe for you all this weekend, and guys, it's SO GOOD. This pasta has been a staple in my life for a long time. I grew up eating it - picking out the red peppers, of course - and it's still one of my favorite go-to's because it's so delicious and so easy to whip up. The recipe may look like it requires a lot of ingredients and work, but really it doesn't. Most things are low cost, or you already have it in your pantry. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers (I was eating it for every meal days later). The perfect weeknight meal, if you ask me. Even my picky boyfriend loves it, if that tells you anything about the magic of this pasta!

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Ham & Red Pepper Pasta

3 tbsp butter

1/4 c olive oil

1 red pepper, diced

1 package Hormel diced ham

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 tbsp basil leaves 

4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon oregano

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 c hot water

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 pound spaghetti

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in pepper, ham, and onions, and sautee until pepper and onion is tender. Add basil, parsley, garlic, and oregano. Cook for several minutes.

Heat water up to boiling in the microwave, and immediately add bouillon cubes and lemon juice after removing water from microwave. Stir to dissolve the cubes. Add to the ham and vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer and thicken. 

Cook pasta. When the sauce has simmered and thickened enough, pour over pasta and toss in a serving bowl. Serve immediately. 

*please note that note all ingredients are key. Sometimes I don't have lemon juice or parsley on hand and it turns out just as delicious.