Description
A cozy and creamy pasta dish with bright green peas and savory ham, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, shells, or fusilli)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 8 ounces cooked ham, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
- While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced ham and sauté until edges begin to caramelize, 3–4 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up fond from the bottom.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and lemon zest; season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Fold in the thawed peas and warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped herbs and an extra shave of Parmesan.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using gluten-free or whole-grain pasta, and play with different herbs and seasonings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, peas, ham, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food