HealthNotes

Creamy Linguine with Asiago Cheese and Ham

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk, skim

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese, lowfat

• 1 Tbs cornstarch, rounded

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese

• 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

• 8 oz linguine, uncooked

• Vegetable oil spray

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 oz ham, extra lean, diced (or smoked pork loin)

• 1/2 cup peas, frozen

Two kinds of cheeses add flavor and creaminess to this delicious pasta dish. Parmesan cheese can be substituted for Asiago cheese.

Directions

• Combine milk, cottage cheese and cornstarch in food processor and process until smooth.
• Transfer milk mixture to a sauce pan. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Add Asiago cheese, pepper, and nutmeg, stir until cheese melts. Set aside.
• Cook linguine in a large pot of rapidly boiling water until done.
• While pasta is cooking, coat a large nonstick skillet with vegetable oil spray. Over medium heat, add garlic and ham; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in peas and sauté 2 more minutes. Stir in milk mixture and cook until heated.
• Pour mixture over cooked, drained pasta in a large bowl and toss. Serve immediately.