Spring Pea & Ham Pasta (Printable)

Sweet spring peas and diced ham tossed with penne in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Meats

05 - 1 cup cooked ham, diced

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
11 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# How to Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and heated through.
04 - Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green (if using frozen, cook until heated through).
05 - Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way cream and Parmesan coat each piece of pasta creates restaurant level richness in under 30 minutes
  • It transforms leftover holiday ham into something completely new and exciting
  • Fresh peas pop with sweetness while the sauce brings all the comfort you need on a chilly spring evening
02 -
  • Reserving pasta water is not optional since that starchy liquid is what binds cream and Parmesan into a proper sauce
  • The sauce will continue thickening off heat so err on the side of slightly too loose when you remove it from the stove
03 -
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh because the pre grated stuff has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Let the cream come to room temperature for 10 minutes before adding to prevent any potential separation
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