The Creamiest Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort calls with this hearty ham and pea pasta that whispers memories of childhood dinners.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this simple dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Tender pasta swirls dance alongside sweet green peas and salty ham chunks.

Weekends beg for quick, satisfying recipes that feel like culinary embraces.

Cooking becomes pure joy when ingredients blend seamlessly and effortlessly.

Busy home chefs can create magic in minutes with minimal effort.

Your kitchen will soon overflow with delightful aromas that promise deliciousness.

Grab a fork and let this recipe transport you to a world of delectable comfort.

Tasty Pairings For Ham And Pea Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the richness of ham and cheese with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Select Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Serve Sparkling Water: A crisp, bubbly mineral water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites and refreshes the taste buds.

Fun Twists On Classic Ham And Pea Pasta

• Smoky Bacon Boost: Swap ham for crispy bacon pieces, adding a rich, smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce and sweet peas.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Replace ham with diced chorizo, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Substitute ham with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, creating a hearty plant-based version that's packed with nutrients.
• Spicy Seafood Spin: Trade ham for succulent shrimp or crab meat, then kick up the heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine.

Your Questions About Ham And Pea Pasta

• What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Diced ham steak or leftover holiday ham are perfect choices. Pre-cooked ham ensures quick cooking and adds a delicious smoky flavor to the pasta.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ham alternatives. The creamy sauce will still taste delicious and provide great flavor.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love creamy pasta with ham and peas. The mild flavors and soft texture make it a great meal for picky eaters. You can even cut the ham into smaller pieces for easier eating.

• How can I add more protein to this recipe?

Try adding grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked shrimp to boost protein content. These additions complement the existing ham and pea combination perfectly.

Why Ham And Pea Pasta Feels Like A Hug In A Bowl

• Savor Quick Comfort: This ham and pea pasta delivers delicious satisfaction in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Master Effortless Cooking: Beginners can easily nail this recipe with simple steps, minimal ingredients, and foolproof techniques that guarantee a restaurant-quality meal without complex culinary skills.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Flexible recipe allows easy swaps like bacon instead of ham, different cheese options, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal: Creamy, cheesy pasta with kid-friendly ingredients makes this dish a winner for family dinners, satisfying both young and adult palates with its comforting and tasty combination.

Ham And Pea Pasta Ingredient List

• Pasta: Tender pasta that forms the foundation of the dish, works well with short shapes like penne or fusilli.

• Ham, Garlic: Savory protein with aromatic flavor, choose diced or cubed ham for even distribution.
• Black Pepper, Salt, Italian Seasoning: Classic flavor enhancers that add depth and complexity to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, smooth sauce base that creates a luxurious texture, select freshly grated Parmesan for best melting.
• Peas: Sweet and tender vegetable that adds color and light freshness, frozen peas work perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright accent that cuts through the cream's richness, fresh lemon juice recommended.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Cooking fat for sautéing ham and garlic, choose based on personal preference.

• Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh herb and spicy touch for final presentation, add according to taste preferences.

How To Make Creamy Ham And Pea Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Toss in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Before draining, scoop out some pasta water in a small cup. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle the Ham and Aromatics

Grab a spacious skillet and warm it up with a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter. Drop in the diced ham and let it dance around the pan, getting slightly crispy and golden. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it release its magical aroma for just a moment.

Step 3: Create a Silky Sauce

• Fresh or frozen peas
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• Dried Italian herbs

Stir everything together and let the sauce bubble gently, thickening into a luxurious coating.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Tumble the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss and twirl until every strand is generously embraced by the creamy sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a smooth, glossy finish. For a bright twist, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to waiting plates. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Pair with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds cheer!

Pro-Level Tips For Comfort Food Goodness

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy liquid gold when draining pasta, as it helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Ham Texture Pro Tip: Dice ham into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribute flavor throughout the dish.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: If the sauce breaks or looks too thin, lower the heat and stir constantly to help it emulsify and thicken smoothly.
• Dietary Swap Hack: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version, and use plant-based ham for a vegetarian alternative.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Toast some breadcrumbs in butter and sprinkle on top for added crunch and a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Store Ham And Pea Pasta Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore its creamy texture.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta dry and tough.
• Freeze portions in sealed containers for maximum 2 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For best quality, consume within the first two days after preparing.
• Always check for any unusual smell or appearance before eating stored pasta.

Ham And Pea Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting ham and pea pasta brings Italian-style simplicity to weeknight dinners. Quick ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a creamy, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

Garnish Ingredients:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract and preserve some pasta liquid before straining the noodles.
2. Select a substantial skillet and warm olive oil or butter over moderate heat. Introduce diced ham, allowing it to develop golden edges while stirring intermittently. Incorporate minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the pan for a brief moment.
3. Gently fold tender green peas into the skillet alongside rich heavy cream, aged Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, delicate salt, and fragrant Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, gradually thickening and melding flavors.
4. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the creamy skillet, using careful movements to ensure complete coating. Should the sauce appear overly dense, incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, creating a luxuriously smooth consistency. For a bright note, incorporate a splash of zesty lemon juice.
5. Artfully plate the pasta, embellishing with additional Parmesan shavings, finely chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes. Present immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp, verdant salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap ham with turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers delicious flavor.
• Accommodate vegetarian diets by replacing ham with crispy tofu, roasted mushrooms, or plant-based protein crumbles for similar texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the creamy, comforting essence of the dish.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 583
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg