Ham & Pasta Skillet

Recipe From: mykitchencafe.blogspot.com
Great recipe for leftover ham from Christmas.

Ingredients:
1 box shell pasta

3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cups fully cooked ham (diced)
1 large sweet red pepper (diced)
1/2 medium onion (chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (minced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

Cook pasta according to package directions - only cooking until al dente since pasta will continue to cook and soak up liquid when added to the skillet.

While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Add pepper, onion, and garlic and cook until vegetables are tender, about 4-6 minutes.

Add ham, basil and oregano and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in broth (or stock) and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half (at first it looks like it will be way to "brothy" but never fear, if you are patient, it will reduce!).

Stir drained pasta into ham and vegetable mixture (I cooked a full pound of pasta but only added about 3/4 of the cooked pasta to the skillet so the other ingredients weren't lost). Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and toss. Sprinkle parsley and remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately.