Simple and Creamy Fettuccini with Ham 

This is another EXTREMELY simple pasta meal that everyone can enjoy. The cream sauce comes together so quickly, you'll find yourself watching the pasta cook.  The cream sauce is mild with a cooked onion flavor, my kids ATE IT UP!

The original recipe comes from my favorite Italian cookbook.  However, it called for a lot of butter and cooking fat from the ham, then it called for heavy cream.  I couldn't bring myself to make it as they suggested.  I love my heart too much, so I trimmed it down as best as I knew how.

While picking up supplies at the grocer's, I stopped at the deli counter and asked for a 1/2 inch slice of Black Forest Ham.  It's not smokey and it's not sweet.  It's simply ham, which was perfect with the sauce.

HERE'S ALL IT TAKES

• 12 ounces fettuccine
• 3 tablespoons canola or olive oil
• 1 very small onion or 1/4 cup finely chopped
• salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 8 ounce slice, 1/2 inch thick Black Forest Ham, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Fill your large pan to boil the pasta and get it going.

Heat the oil in a small saute pan over medium heat, cook the onion until translucent.  Add the cubed ham, and cook for 2 minutes more.  Season with fresh ground pepper.  Stir in the cream and milk, and keep warm over low heat while the pasta is cooking.

Boil the pasta as directed on the package.  Drain when al denta.  Turn into a serving bowl, and toss with the sauce.  Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve at once.

THAT'S IT.

I served the pasta with a healthy side of dark leafy greens and we were all satisfied.