Pasta with Peas and Ham
Pasta with peas and ham is a classic Italian dish that combines the savory flavors of ham with the sweetness of peas and the comfort of pasta. This simple and satisfying recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner.
Pasta with peas and ham is a versatile pasta dish. Easily customize it to suit your tastes.
Why make it?
- Easy: This is a simple recipe that requires little time and effort to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and for novice cooks.
- Delicious: The combination of savory ham, sweet peas, and creamy Parmesan cheese makes this dish a real crowd-pleaser. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Versatile: Customize this dish to suit your tastes by using different types of pasta, swapping out the ham for bacon or pancetta, or adding other ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
- Affordable: It is a budget-friendly meal that won’t break the bank. You can easily feed your family for under $10.
What you need
- Pasta: Cook it according to the directions until it is al dente.
- Frozen peas: The peas add sweetness and color to the dish.
- Ham: The ham adds a savory, salty flavor to the plate. If you have leftover ham this is the perfect dish to use it in.
- Garlic: The garlic adds a pungent, aromatic taste.
- Onion: The onion adds a sweet, mild flavor and texture.
- Chicken broth: The chicken broth provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: The cheese adds a nutty, salty taste and a creamy texture.
- Olive oil: The olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and onion, adding a fruity, slightly bitter flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste. Salt is a flavor enhancer. It will brighten the flavors of the other ingredients, while pepper adds a spicy, aromatic note.
- Basil: The basil is not only a nice garnish, it is delicious paired with this dish, so don’t skip it.
Optional ingredients:
- Sliced mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the sautéed garlic and onion to add earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Baby spinach leaves: Stir in some fresh baby spinach leaves just before serving for a pop of green color and extra nutrition.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can add sweetness and acidity to the dish.
How to make it
Step One:
Add olive oil or butter to a large skillet.
Sauté until the onion is golden. Then add the garlic, just for a minute or two.
Step Two:
Add the broth and heat through.
Step Three:
Stir in the ham and heat that through over medium heat.
Step Four:
Season with salt and pepper. Test the saltiness of the ham. You may not need too much salt.
Step Five:
Stir in the cream, the frozen peas, and the cheese. Combine.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot according to the package directions.
Step Six
Toss al dente pasta with the sauce and about one cup of the pasta cooking water.
Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Bacon or Pancetta instead of ham.
- Add mushrooms.
- Add spinach.
- Use different pasta shapes.
- Use different cheeses like Romano or Asiago.
- Use fresh parsley to garnish instead of or in addition to the fresh basil.
What pasta to use
Long thin pastas are best used for creamy sauces. Fettuccini, Spaghetti, Linguini, Tagliatelli and similar pastas are said to soak up the sauce better. Try this lemon orzo recipe for a bright dinner made in under 30 minutes.
How to store leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.
This incredibly simple recipe is just what you need for weeknight dinners. Looking for more simple, creamy pasta dishes? Try this Boursin cheese pasta recipe. It comes together in just over 30 minutes and is a dinner the whole family will enjoy. This Italian tuna pasta is another super-easy weeknight meal.
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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Pasta with Peas and Ham
Ingredients
- ½ pound pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ham
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- fresh basil
Instructions
- Add olive oil or butter to the skillet. Sauté onion until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for a couple minutes until soft.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chop ham into 1 to 2 inch cubes.1 pound ham
- Add ham and chicken broth to the skillet. Cook for a couple of minutes until heated through.1 cup chicken broth
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.½ pound pasta
- Add cream, spices, peas, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Continue to heat on very low heat until pasta is done.1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Drain pasta reserving about one cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Add about one cup of the pasta cooking water and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.fresh basil
See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!Notes
Nutrition
Originally published May 3, 2023.
NO WHERE DOES ITMENTION HOW MUCH OF PEAS ARE USED. NOT IN TRHE RECIPE OR DIRECTIONS.
The recipe ingredients say ½ pound of peas. So 8 ounces. Half of a 16 ounce bag. But it isn’t crucial. You can use more or less if you like.
great sounding recipe BUT.. I might have missed it.. you don’t say why to save the 1 cup of pasta water..
You add the pasta water as needed to the finished recipe. The starchy water binds everything together.