Ham and Pea Pasta

Ham and Pea Pasta

Imagine a mouthwatering pasta dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, packed with creamy, savory goodness that will have your family asking for seconds! This Ham and Pea Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines the smoky richness of ham, the sweet pop of peas, and a luxurious cream sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new secret weapon for an effortless and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz pasta
  2. 1 cup diced ham
  3. 1 cup frozen peas
  4. 1/2 cup cream
  5. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1/2 cup of cream, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  4. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown slightly and is heated through.
  5. Once the ham is ready, add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
  6. When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
  7. Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the ham and peas. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  8. Pour in the cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  9. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
  10. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
  11. Serve the ham and pea pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

  1. Choose the Right Pasta: Use a shape that holds sauce well, like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. These shapes will catch the creamy sauce and ham bits perfectly.
  2. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and testing a piece a minute before the recommended cooking time.
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
  4. Use Quality Ham: Opt for good-quality diced ham or leftover ham from a previous meal for the best flavor. Slightly browning the ham adds depth to the dish.
  5. Frozen Peas Hack: Add frozen peas directly to the skillet - they'll heat quickly and retain their bright green color and sweet flavor.
  6. Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and provide a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
  7. Season Carefully: Since ham is already salty, taste before adding additional salt and adjust seasonings gradually.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350kcal

Carbohydrates: 40g

Protein: 20g

Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 45mg

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