Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: ham and pea pasta! It’s one of those dishes that’s so simple yet so delicious, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I love throwing this together after a long day because it comes together in just 25 minutes! The combination of savory ham and sweet peas creates a flavor explosion that’s truly comforting. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation. So grab your pan, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 200g pasta: Any shape you love will work here! I usually go for penne or fusilli because they hold the sauce beautifully.
- 150g cooked ham, diced: This can be leftover ham from a holiday feast or even store-bought deli ham. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
- 100g peas: You can use frozen peas for convenience or fresh ones if they’re in season. Fresh peas add a nice pop of sweetness!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor, but any olive oil will do.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key! It adds such a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Salt to taste: Don’t be shy, but remember the ham can be salty, so taste as you go!
- Black pepper to taste: Freshly ground black pepper gives that perfect bit of spice.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional): A sprinkle of Parmesan on top is the cherry on top of this delicious dish. It adds a lovely salty finish!
How to Prepare Ham and Pea Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making this delicious ham and pea pasta! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a plate of yumminess in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your 200g pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. It should shimmer a bit, which means it’s ready!
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it; we want it to smell amazing, not bitter!
- Next, toss in the 150g diced ham and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to warm up and get a little crispy around the edges—yum!
- Now, add 100g of peas to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. They’ll brighten up the dish!
- Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the ham and peas. Give it all a good toss to combine everything.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top!
- And voila! Serve it up warm and enjoy your comforting bowl of ham and pea pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavor from the combination of ham and sweet peas.
- Using pantry staples makes it easy to whip up anytime.
- Healthy and satisfying, with protein from the ham and fiber from the peas.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta shape or add-ins!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to make your ham and pea pasta even more delightful! First off, don’t be afraid to play around with pasta shapes; I’ve had great success with farfalle and orecchiette too! They both catch the sauce beautifully. Also, remember to salt your pasta water generously—this is where most of the flavor comes from!
If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic can add a fun kick. And for a fresh twist, consider tossing in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. Lastly, adjust your seasoning as you go—taste is key! You want that perfect balance of flavors, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about ham and pea pasta is how easily you can customize it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some fresh herbs like dill or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can also toss in other veggies like spinach or bell peppers to amp up the nutrition and color. If you want to change up the protein, diced chicken or turkey works wonderfully, too!
For a creamy version, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche just before serving. And don’t forget, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up every bite! The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your ham and pea pasta is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, which is great for meal prep or a quick lunch! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to help bring back that lovely moisture. Stir it gently over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. Enjoy your delicious leftover goodness!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this delightful ham and pea pasta, you’re treating yourself to a nutritious meal! Each serving has approximately 450 calories, with 15g of fat and 20g of protein. You’ll also get 4g of fiber and 60g of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying dish. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh peas can add a delightful sweetness to your ham and pea pasta. Just make sure to cook them until tender, which usually takes a couple of minutes longer than frozen peas.
What type of pasta works best? Any pasta shape you love will do! I personally prefer penne or fusilli because they capture all the tasty bits of ham and peas perfectly. But feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily swap out the ham for sautéed mushrooms or even some chickpeas for protein. Just season well to ensure it’s flavorful!
How do I store leftovers? Just transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! This dish is super versatile. Feel free to throw in some spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and color!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta and Garlic Butter Pasta. You can also explore Creamy Chicken Pasta for another comforting meal option!
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Ham and Pea Pasta: 25 Minutes to Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious ham and pea pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 150g cooked ham, diced
- 100g peas, frozen or fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced ham and cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in peas and cook until heated through.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
- Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Fresh peas can enhance the flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ham and pea pasta
