Craving a deliciously creamy, comforting dish that comes together in just 25 minutes? Look no further! Our One Pot Creamy Ham Pea Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that will have your family asking for seconds. With tender pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, and the delightful pops of sweet peas, this dish is not only a breeze to make but also a feast for the senses. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this Italian-inspired recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or rotini), 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups of chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the broth is boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Make sure to taste it to ensure it is cooked to your preference.
- When the pasta is almost done, add the 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot. Stir to combine and allow them to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to incorporate the cream into the pasta mixture.
- Gradually add the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
- Serve the creamy ham and pea pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Fusilli or rotini works best for this recipe as their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand!
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: For a truly decadent dish, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated. It melts better and enhances the flavor significantly.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference for the best flavor.
- Add a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding garlic or onion sautéed in the pot before adding the broth. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
- Make It a Meal: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 553kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 106mg
