Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that combines the savory richness of ham, the sweet pop of fresh peas, and the irresistible comfort of a quick, delicious meal. This Ham and Peas Pasta is not just another recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a pasta lover seeking a new favorite recipe, this Italian-inspired creation is about to become your go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 150g ham, diced
- 200g peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 50g Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and allow it to warm up for about 30 seconds.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly crisp and release its flavors.
- Pour the peas into the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat them through.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with ham and peas.
- Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix well.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, with additional Parmesan cheese for garnishing if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooking will result in mushy pasta that loses its texture.
- Don't Rush the Garlic: Sauté garlic gently to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter and unpleasant.
- Use Quality Ham: Choose a good-quality ham that will add depth of flavor to your dish. Diced prosciutto or smoky ham works wonderfully.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Peas: While frozen peas work great, fresh peas (when in season) can elevate the dish with a sweeter, more vibrant taste.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking, remembering that ham and Parmesan are already salty.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
