Ham Pea Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Creamy and comforting Ham and Pea Pasta, a quick and easy weeknight meal with savory ham, sweet peas, and a rich Parmesan sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Ham and Pea Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute). Add ham and cook until lightly browned (3-5 minutes). Add frozen peas and cook until heated through (2-3 minutes).
- Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Shape: Use any pasta shape you like.
- Ham: Use any type of cooked ham.
- Peas: Fresh or frozen peas both work well.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the classic choice.
- Cream: Heavy cream is the richest option, but you can also use half-and-half or milk.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach.
- Spice: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce to your serving.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a little milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/ham-pea-pasta/