Ham Carbonara

Name: Ham Carbonara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; 1 small yellow summer squash, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 pound thick sliced deli ham, cubed; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper

The colorful veggies in this pasta dish will brighten any weeknight. The sauce is light, but feels rich and comforting, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 small yellow summer squash, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound thick sliced deli ham, cubed
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the zucchini, summer squash, onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add ham and peas; heat through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Reduce heat to low; add eggs to the skillet. Cook and stir until egg coats the back of a spoon and reaches 160° (mixture will look like a soft frothy egg).
Drain spaghetti and place in a bowl. Add eggs; toss to coat. Add the vegetable mixture, 1/4 cup cheese, thyme, salt and pepper; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 456 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.

Originally published as Ham Carbonara in Simple & Delicious June/July 2010

Reviews

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Average Rating:

hkpepin

Sep 20, 2015

I followed directions, other than substituting a second zucchini for the summer squash, and my whole family liked it, but it needs a broth or sauce. The pasta was a little dry. We were throwing out ideas like a broth, half and half, or even some butter. But I liked the wealth of vegetables and a carbonara without the bacon. With a little sauce in mind, we would try this again. I was also happily surprised that it took me just under 40 minutes to complete the dish.
JCV4

Mar 28, 2015

Nice, quick recipe that tastes great!
KScales

Jul 11, 2011

We apologize for any confusion with this recipe and we'll make a few tweaks to make it clearer. At the end of the first step where it says, "Remove and keep warm", everything should be removed from the skillet before the eggs are added.The eggs are to be cooked until they're thickened. A visual indicator of that is when they coat the back of a spoon without easily running off.Taste of Home Test Kitchen
ribman

Jul 11, 2011

I did not use the ham or the yellow summer squash, instead I doubled the zuccini. For the spices I used a mix of fresh rosemary lemon thyme, basil and marjarom, apox. 1/2 teaspoon each. I cooked the eggs right with the veggies, added it about 1/2 way through. I doubled the Parmesan cheese, I would add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
MaritaK

Jul 8, 2011

It is not clear when to add the eggs. Do you take the veggies out of the pan, then add the eggs, or what? What do you mean, cook and stir egg mixture until it coats the back of a spoon? Confusing!
marthabenoit

Jul 8, 2011

I'm confused when and what do I add the eggs too. I added it to the veggies something didn't come out right.
lizardstew

Aug 17, 2010

This was just OK. I like all of the veggies in it, but I have other, way better carbonara recipes.
mygwen

Aug 7, 2010

This recipe is great. I peeled the summer squash and excluded the eggs to make it healthier.
tt2b123

Jul 26, 2010

It tasted fine, but got dried out when reheated.
alrmama

Jul 7, 2010

This has a really nice light flavor that is quick and easy. I used leftover ham and no yellow squash and the whole onion.