This dish is a creamy delight! Pasta tossed with tender ham and sweet peas in a rich Parmesan sauce makes for a warm and comforting meal. Perfect for any night of the week!
I love how this recipe is quick and easy to whip up! It’s a great way to use up leftovers and impress your family with minimal effort. Who doesn’t enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and simple? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using fusilli or rotini for this dish because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce really well. However, any pasta can work—feel free to use penne or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer a healthier option.
Cooked Ham: Diced ham adds a nice salty flavor. If you don’t have ham or need a substitute, cooked chicken or even turkey would work. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or a store-bought veggie sausage.
Frozen Peas: Frozen peas are convenient and sweeten up the dish. If you don’t have any, you can use fresh peas or even broccoli florets for a different twist on texture and flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter alternative, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk with a little cornstarch to thicken it up.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or even Grana Padano can work as great substitutes. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan alternative to lend a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic is simple but it requires attention to prevent burning, which can turn it bitter. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat; this is important to cook the garlic evenly.
- Add minced garlic and stir frequently for about 1 minute—this will help it release its flavor.
- Watch closely! As soon as you smell that delicious garlic aroma, it’s time to move on to the next step, even if it’s not browned yet.
Remember, if it does happen to brown too much, it’s better to start over with fresh garlic for the best flavor.
How to Make Pasta Ham and Peas in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini works well)
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or additional Parmesan for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Don’t forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pot where you cooked the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful but is not browned. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
3. Add Ham and Peas:
Next, stir in the diced ham and the frozen peas. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until the peas are heated through and everything is nicely mixed together.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it until the cheese melts, making the sauce nice and creamy. If you find that the sauce is too thick, you can slowly add some of that reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the pot. Stir everything gently until the spinach wilts and the pasta is fully covered in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste; this is your chance to make it just right!
6. Serve:
It’s time to eat! Plate your delicious pasta and, if you like, garnish it with extra grated Parmesan and some fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy and tasty Pasta Ham and Peas!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli or rotini are great choices, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as different pasta shapes may have different cooking times.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich. For a dairy-free version, unsweetened coconut milk or a cashew cream made from soaked cashews blended with water can also work well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if it seems too thick. This will help revive the creamy texture!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! This dish is very versatile. Feel free to add in some diced bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the ham and peas, ensuring they’re cooked to your desired tenderness!
