Penne with ham and olive sauce and capers

Penne with Ham and Olive-Caper Sauce

Looking for a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe that will delight your taste buds? This penne with ham and olive-caper sauce recipe is exactly what you need! It’s a perfect meal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, and it takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, it celebrates the delicious combination of pasta, meat, mushrooms, and sauce that will transport you straight to the heart of a comforting and savory meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 200 g penne (or your favorite type of pasta)
- 4-5 slices of Prague ham (or another type of smoked ham)
- 4-5 mushrooms (preferably fresh, but canned are acceptable)
- 100 g mozzarella (you can also use another type of cheese, such as feta or cheddar)
- 100 g sour cream (you can opt for lower-fat sour cream or plant-based sour cream)
- Tomato sauce with capers and olives (can be homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cube of butter (for a rich taste)

Step-by-step preparation:
1. Boiling the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. When the water starts to boil, add the penne. Cook for about 8 minutes or according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the ingredients: While the pasta is boiling, prepare the other ingredients. Cut the ham into small cubes, slice the mushrooms, and grate the mozzarella. If using canned mushrooms, make sure to drain them well.

3. Mixing the pasta: Once the penne is ready, drain it and add the cube of butter to the hot pot. Stir well so that the butter melts and integrates with the hot pasta.

4. Assembling the dish: In a greased baking dish, add the penne mixed with butter. Then, add the ham cubes, sliced mushrooms, and some of the mozzarella. Distribute the ingredients evenly to ensure each serving has a delicious combination.

5. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the tomato sauce and add the olives and capers. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your preferences – more sauce will make a wetter dish, while less will make the pasta crunchier.

6. Baking: Pour the sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

7. Serving: Once the pasta is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve the penne with a fresh green salad or homemade bread to complete the meal.

Helpful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like dried oregano or fresh basil, which pair wonderfully with tomato sauce.
- If you like a spicier dish, add a bit of dried chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
- Vary the ingredients! You can replace the ham with bacon or cooked chicken, and the mushrooms can be swapped for zucchini or other favorite vegetables.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in protein from the ham and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta. The olives and capers provide antioxidants, while mushrooms are a good source of fiber.

Calories:
A serving of penne with ham and olive sauce contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
- Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is an excellent option for a higher fiber intake.

2. How can I make tomato sauce at home?
- Simply sauté an onion and two garlic cloves in olive oil, add chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh), and let it simmer. Add the capers and olives at the end.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
- A light red wine or a pale lager pairs perfectly with the flavors of this dish. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a cold tea with lemon or lemonade would be ideal.

This penne with ham and olive-caper sauce recipe is not just a tasty meal, but also an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for family or for a dinner with friends, it will surely be appreciated. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 200 g pasta, 4-5 slices of Prague ham, 4-5 mushrooms, 100 g mozzarella, 100 g sour cream, tomato sauce with capers and olives, a cube of butter

 Tags:  baked pasta penne with ham mushrooms tomato sauce with capers and olives