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You surely know the Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham,” especially with kids at home. You may even have the book memorized by now if your kids like it as much as mine do. Your kids may have asked if you can eat green eggs and ham, but of course, there’s no such thing. Short of adding food coloring to eggs, it’s not possible.
However, it is possible to make something similar: green noodles and ham. And in contrast to how real green eggs and ham might taste, green noodles and ham are actually pretty delicious. Your kids are sure to love them and so will you.
Like every recipe on this site, it’s designed with limited ingredients to be budget-friendly. This one has seven ingredients, but they’re all simple ones that you can find at any regular grocery store.
It’s also an incredibly easy recipe to make. I don’t know about you, but I want meals that I can prepare in 30 minutes or less. This recipe fits that bill as well. From stove to table, it will take you only about 20 minutes or so. Why go to a drive-thru when you can have this ready even faster?
Easy to cook, easy to clean up, and your whole family will love it. For these reasons, green noodles and ham will quickly find its way into your permanent meal rotation.
Ham Noodles
Even though green noodles and ham are already great as is, there are plenty of other dishes you can make with ham and noodles. Ham is a versatile meat that tastes delicious in lots of different meals. It’s an easy way to add some protein to your favorite dishes.
You can make other casserole-type dishes with ham and noodles. The classic midwestern way to make it is with ham, egg noodles, and canned condensed soup. Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups are most often used this way because their mild taste adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.
Keep the peas and parmesan cheese as the recipe calls for, if you want. But feel free to customize this part of the recipe, too. You can add more vegetables or use something different than peas. You can melt cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top instead of parmesan, too.
The best type of meals are simple ones that are warm, hearty fare. You don’t need filet mignon or fancy dinners with hard-to-find ingredients. I want to feed my family every night so we can spend that time together on a regular basis.
All the parenting experts say that there are lots of benefits for kids when you eat a family dinner together. Kids generally perform better in school and have fewer serious behavior problems as a result of that family time. It doesn’t matter what you’re eating, only that you’re together.
At the same time, you’re also forging connections with your kids which should build the foundation for a good relationship. They’ll get a chance to share about their days and learn about your values. Having a family dinner every night possible is important, so don’t let the TV or phone screens interrupt it.
Green Noodles
Green noodles can be made with spinach noodles, as they are in this recipe. Spinach noodles can be used in other ways, like with a jar of alfredo sauce and diced chicken breast. Cold pasta salads with green spinach noodles are also delicious.
You can use plain noodles of any shape, from angel hair to penne. Add in a package of frozen spinach and cream cheese, which will create a very green color. You can still use green peas and other green vegetables, like broccoli florets or asparagus.
Another way to make green noodles is to add pesto as the sauce. You can buy jarred pesto but the flavor might be a little strong for some kids. You can add cream cheese to cut the flavor or try making your own pesto with fresh basil and olive oil, with less garlic than traditional pesto.
The absolute healthiest way to make green noodles is to make “zoodles.” These are noodles you make by putting zucchini through a spiralizer. The zucchini makes shapes similar to spaghetti noodles when you prepare them this way. Zucchini noodles are mild in flavor but have no carbohydrates, making them a perfect choice for people watching their carb intake.
Green noodles are the kind of recipe that your whole family will love, no matter how you prepare them.
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Maple Pecan Pork Chops and our Pork Chops Devine.
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Green Noodles and Ham Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Easy to cook, easy to clean up, and your whole family will love it. For these reasons, green noodles and ham will quickly find its way into your permanent meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried spinach pasta
- 5 ounces lower-sodium, low-fat ham, all visible fat discarded, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons low-fat tub cream cheese
- ¾ cup frozen peas, partially thawed
- ¼ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil. Drain well in a colander. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Cook the ham over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Pour over the ham. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cream cheese. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until melted, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the peas. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in the pasta and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ham noodles, green noodle recipes