---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

     Title: HAM AND ASPARAGUS PASTA
Categories: Pasta, Meats, Vegetables
     Yield: 4 servings

   3/4 lb Fresh asparagus spears or
          - one 10-oz. pkg. frozen
          - asparagus
     2 cn (14-1/2-oz.) stewed tomatoes
          - cut up
     1 tb Dried parsley flakes
   1/2 ts Dried basil, crushed
   1/2 ts Dried oregano, crushed
   1/8 ts Ground red pepper (optional)
     1 c  Evaporated skim milk
          10-oz. multicolored pasta
          - such as wagon wheel or
          - corkscrew
     6 oz Lean fully cooked ham, cut
          - into bite-size strips
     1 sm Red or green sweet pepper
          - cut into strips
          Grated Parmesan cheese (opt)

 Snap off and discard the woody bases from the fresh asparagus, if using.
 Bias-slice the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.  (Or thaw and drain the frozen
 asparagus.)

 FOR SAUCE, in a medium saucepan combine stewed tomatoes, parsley, basil,
 oregano, and ground red pepper, if desired.  Bring to boiling.  Simmer the
 sauce, uncovered, about 15 minutes or till reduced to 2-1/2 cups, stirring
 occasionally.  Add the evaporated milk all at once, stirring constantly.
 Heat mixture through; do not boil.

 Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions EXCEPT add the
 asparagus, ham and sweet pepper to the boiling water during the last 4
 minutes of cooking time.  Drain pasta and vegetables.

 To serve, place pasta mixture on a serving plater.  Spoon the sauce over
 the pasta.  Serve with Parmesa cheese, if desired.  Serve at once.

 Makes 4 or 5 main-dish servings.

 NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: 465 calories, 4 g fat, 15 meg chol.

 SOURCE: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, March 1993

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