Name: Italian Creamy Ham and Vegetable Pasta with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 17 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 400 grams pasta (penne or rigatoni); 200 grams sliced ham (cut into strips); 2 cups mixed vegetables (diced); 1/2 cup tahini; 1 cup yogurt (plain); 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup fruit juice (lemon or white grape); 1/2 cup coconut water; 1/2 cup granola (crushed); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Italian Creamy Ham and Vegetable Pasta with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

This innovative Italian-inspired dish combines creamy tahini-yogurt sauce with tender pasta, savory ham, and fresh mixed vegetables. The unique blend of Mediterranean flavors creates a rich, satisfying meal that bridges traditional Italian cuisine with modern culinary techniques.

35 min

Easy

4 servings

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Taste Profile

Sweet3/10

Salty6/10

Sour4/10

Umami6/10

Spicy0/10

🥄 Texture

The sauce is rich and creamy, coating each piece of penne/rigatoni, while the ham is tender and the mixed vegetables remain slightly crisp for contrast. A final sprinkle of crushed granola adds a crunchy, nutty finish that offsets the creaminess.

👃 Aroma

Warm savory notes of cooked ham and creamy dairy are complemented by a toasty sesame (tahini) aroma and a light tang of citrus/fruit juice. Fresh herbs on top add a bright, herbaceous lift to the overall scent.

🍷 Pairs Well With

A chilled dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio; alternatively a light lager or sparkling water with lemon would refresh the palate.

🥗 Side Dishes

A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted or steamed asparagus, or a platter of roasted cherry tomatoes and crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.

Ingredients(12 items)

1400 grams pasta (penne or rigatoni)

2200 grams sliced ham (cut into strips)

32 cups mixed vegetables (diced)

41/2 cup tahini

51 cup yogurt (plain)

61/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

71/4 cup fruit juice (lemon or white grape)

81/2 cup coconut water

91/2 cup granola (crushed)

102 tablespoons mayonnaise

11Salt and black pepper to taste

12Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tahini, yogurt, cream cheese, mayonnaise, fruit juice, and coconut water. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the ham strips for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet with the ham and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Pour the tahini-yogurt sauce into the skillet with the ham and vegetables, stirring gently to combine.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring gently.

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with crushed granola for texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately while warm.