Quick & Easy Lemon Ham Spaghetti with Arugula: Your Perfect Summer Pasta
Craving a delicious, light, and unbelievably quick meal for those warm summer days? Look no further than this vibrant Lemon Ham Spaghetti with Arugula and Capers! This recipe is a true summer savior, bringing together a delightful medley of flavors in just 15 minutes. With only five core ingredients – savory ham cubes, bright fresh lemon, tangy capers, peppery arugula, and perfectly cooked spaghetti – it’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the beautiful weather and good company.
Why This Summer Spaghetti is Your New Favorite
Summer days are often synonymous with sunshine, outdoor relaxation, and leisurely gatherings with friends and family. While these moments are precious, spending hours over a hot stove is usually the last thing anyone wants to do. This is precisely where our Lemon Ham Spaghetti truly shines. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer convenience and fresh flavors.
This recipe is perfectly crafted to be fresh, light, and incredibly quick to prepare, arriving on your table in a mere 15 minutes. It features ingredients that are both accessible and delightful – fresh, vibrant arugula, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and savory ham cubes. The combination creates a balanced dish that feels indulgent yet remains light, making it ideal for those balmy evenings when you crave something satisfying but not heavy. The peppery bite of arugula, the savory notes of ham, the refreshing zest and juice of lemon, and the unique salty tang of capers all come together in a harmonious blend that is utterly irresistible. It’s a dish that embodies the carefree spirit of summer eating.
Key Ingredients for Your Lemon & Ham Spaghetti
To craft this delightful Italian-inspired spaghetti, you’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients. The precise quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page, but here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special:
- Spaghetti: The foundation of our dish. While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like tagliatelle, penne, or even linguine if those are your preference. Always cook your pasta according to the package directions, aiming for an “al dente” texture – meaning it’s firm to the bite, not mushy. This ensures the pasta holds up beautifully to the other ingredients and provides a satisfying texture.
- Ham: We use pre-cubed ham for ultimate convenience, readily available in most supermarkets. The ham provides a delightful savory and slightly salty counterpoint to the fresh elements. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, (semi) sun-dried tomatoes are an excellent choice. Halve them before adding to the dish to integrate their rich, sweet, and tangy flavor throughout the pasta. You could also try smoked tofu for a similar savory depth.
- Capers: These small, green, pickled flower buds are stored in a salt and vinegar solution, giving them their distinctive briny, slightly sour taste. To prevent their robust flavor from overpowering the dish, it’s crucial to rinse them thoroughly under cold water before adding them. This washes away excess salt and brine, leaving just their delightful piquant flavor. For a more subtle taste, you can also chop them finely.
- Arugula: Known for its wonderfully peppery and slightly bitter notes, arugula (also known as rocket) adds a crucial “bite” and freshness to the spaghetti. As a delicate leafy green, arugula wilts very quickly when exposed to heat. To maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture, always add the arugula at the very last minute, right before serving. This ensures it stays beautifully crunchy and doesn’t become soggy. If arugula isn’t available, baby spinach or watercress could offer a similar freshness, though with a different flavor profile.
- Lemon: The star of the show for freshness! We utilize both the juice and the zest of fresh lemons. The zest contains aromatic oils that provide an intense burst of citrus flavor without adding acidity, while the juice offers that bright, tangy lift that ties all the flavors together. Always use fresh lemon juice; bottled versions simply don’t compare in terms of flavor and vibrancy. A good quality lemon can truly elevate this simple dish.
- Olive Oil: While not explicitly listed as a main ingredient, a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is essential for frying the ham and coating the pasta, adding a silky texture and fruity undertones.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are vital for enhancing all the other flavors. Always taste and adjust as needed.
How to Master This Quick & Flavorful Ham Pasta – No Cream!
This recipe prides itself on its simplicity and speed, proving that a delicious meal doesn’t need to be complicated or heavy with cream. You’ll find a fully printable recipe card with a detailed step-by-step description at the very bottom of this blog post. But here’s an overview of how to bring this vibrant dish to life:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. For that perfect “al dente” bite, consider cooking it 1 to 2 minutes shorter than recommended. This ensures the pasta remains firm and flavorful, preventing it from becoming mushy when combined with other ingredients.
- Crisp the Ham: While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ham cubes and fry them briefly until they develop a lovely golden-brown color and become slightly crispy. This caramelization enhances their savory flavor significantly. Once browned, remove them from the heat temporarily.
- Combine & Infuse: Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water – this starchy water is liquid gold for sauces! Return the drained spaghetti to the pan (or transfer to a large mixing bowl). Immediately add the cooked ham cubes, along with the fresh lemon juice and most of the lemon zest. Toss everything together, allowing the heat from the pasta to gently warm the lemon juice and infuse the dish with its bright aroma.
- Add Freshness and Tang: Now, it’s time to introduce the delicate elements. Add the rinsed capers to the pan. If you’ve finely sliced them, they’ll distribute their flavor more evenly. Next, gently fold in the fresh arugula. The residual heat from the pasta is just enough to slightly soften the arugula without completely wilting it, preserving its peppery crunch.
- Season and Serve: Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Taste the spaghetti. This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. If you desire an extra kick of brightness, a little more fresh lemon juice can be added. If the pasta seems a bit dry, a splash of that reserved pasta water can help create a light, cohesive “sauce.” Serve immediately, ideally with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of salty, umami flavor.
For an authentic Italian experience, serve this delightful dish with a side of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty notes of the cheese complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Pro Tips for the Best Summer Spaghetti
To ensure your Lemon Ham Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Al Dente Perfection: The key to great pasta is cooking it al dente. It should have a slight bite and not be soft or mushy. This texture is crucial as the pasta will continue to absorb flavors and soften slightly when tossed with the other ingredients.
- Freshness is Key: While this recipe is simple, the quality of your ingredients truly makes a difference. Opt for fresh, vibrant arugula and a good, aromatic lemon. Freshly ground pepper and a sprinkle of quality Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese will elevate the flavors.
- Don’t Skimp on Lemon: The lemon provides that essential bright, fresh flavor. Use both zest and juice for the best results. The zest contains concentrated oils that offer intense citrus aroma, while the juice provides the necessary acidity.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Swaps: For a completely plant-based version, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms, smoked tofu cubes, or a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Ensure your chosen pasta is egg-free for a vegan meal.
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the ham can provide a lovely warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! This starchy liquid is fantastic for emulsifying the flavors and creating a light, silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully without the need for heavy creams or butter. Add it a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
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📖 Recipe Card
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 oz. ham, cubed
- ¾ pound arugula, fresh
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and finely chopped
- salt and pepper , to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, for cooking
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
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In a separate skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ham cubes and fry until they get a slight brown, crispy color. Set aside.5 oz. ham
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Carefully grate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and squeeze 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice from your lemon.2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
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Wash the fresh arugula thoroughly and pat it dry. If the leaves are very large, you can cut them into smaller strips.¾ pound arugula
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Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.1 pound spaghetti
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Return the drained spaghetti to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked ham, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and the rinsed and chopped capers. Toss well to combine.1 tablespoon capers
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Finally, gently fold in the fresh arugula. Taste the spaghetti and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and extra lemon juice if desired. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light coating. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.salt and pepper
Notes
2. Prefer a vegetarian twist? This recipe is easily adaptable! Simply replace the ham cubes with an equal amount of (semi) sun-dried tomatoes. Halve or chop them before adding to the pasta for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu are also excellent vegetarian options.
3. Arugula is a delicate leafy green, beloved for its peppery flavor and crunchy texture. However, it wilts very quickly when exposed to heat. To keep it wonderfully crisp and vibrant, make sure to add this vegetable at the very last minute, just before serving. The residual heat from the pasta will slightly soften it, but it will retain its desirable crunch.
4. Storage & Leftovers:
This summer spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you anticipate having leftovers, it’s highly recommended to store the spaghetti and ham mixture separately from the arugula. Once arugula is mixed in, it tends to wilt completely and become soggy, making it unsuitable for storage.
- Refrigerator (without arugula): If you’ve kept the arugula separate, the spaghetti and ham mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Freezer (without arugula): For longer storage, freeze the spaghetti and ham mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating (without arugula): Reheat the spaghetti quickly in the microwave or in a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil, stirring occasionally. Once warm, stir in fresh arugula just before serving to restore that delightful crunch.
5. Nutritional Value: The nutritional information provided in this recipe card is calculated per person, based on the assumption that this recipe serves four people. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Nutrition
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More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try
If you loved this quick and easy summer spaghetti, you might enjoy exploring some of our other pasta creations:
- Penne with Smoked Mackerel and Tomato Tapenade
- Penne with Zucchini and Walnuts
- Pasta Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino
- Kale Pesto Pasta