Yummy Pasta Skillet Dinner

3/4 - 1 lb. small tube or shell pasta
3 T. olive oil
1 T. butter
3 c. fully cooked ham or chicken, diced
1 large sweet red pepper, diced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried oregano
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions - only cooking until al dente since pasta will continue to cook and soak up liquid when added to the skillet. While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter is melted. Add pepper, onion, and garlic and cook until vegetables are tender, about 4-6 minutes. Add meat, basil and oregano and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in broth (or stock) and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half (at first it looks like it will be way to "brothy" but never fear, if you are patient, it will reduce!). Stir drained pasta into ham and vegetable mixture (I cooked a full pound of pasta but only added about 3/4 of the cooked pasta to the skillet so the other ingredients weren't lost). Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and toss. Sprinkle parsley and remaining parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately.

adapted from: My Kitchen Cafe blog