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Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham

Creamy and inviting, Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham is a timeless classic loved by both adults and children. Don't listen to those who say cream is outdated: this ingredient is perfect for preparing delicious and quick pasta dishes, ideal for everyday cooking.
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Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Prep 10 minutes
  • Cook 15 minutes
  • Servings Serves 4

Don’t trust those who want you to believe that heavy cream is too ’80s to be used in cooking: they don’t know what they’re talking about. It’s no coincidence that Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham is still so beloved by both adults and children, not only for its simple preparation but also for the unique creaminess of the dish.

Sure, its calorie content makes it a dish to enjoy in moderation, but if you’re looking for a comfort food that also works as a complete meal, this Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham recipe is perfect. All you need to do is sauté the Peas in a pan with a drizzle of Olive Oil and Shallot, then add the Ham and Heavy Cream to create your sauce.

Among other Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes, we recommend trying Farfalle with Cream and Mushrooms, Creamy Pasta with Cheese and Bacon, or the more delicate Creamy Mezze Maniche with Ricotta and Broccoli.

Note: Mezze Maniche is a type of short, tube-shaped pasta similar to rigatoni but shorter. If unavailable, you can substitute with penne or rigatoni.

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. To prepare Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham, start by cooking the pasta in plenty of salted water according to package instructions.

  2. Meanwhile, finely chop the shallot and sauté it in a pan with olive oil until soft and translucent.

  3. Add the peas, a pinch of salt, and pepper, then let them cook for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.

  4. Add the ham cut into strips and, after a couple of minutes, pour in the heavy cream. Cook over high heat for a few moments, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and toss it in the pan with the sauce for a few moments before serving hot. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

    Pasta With Cream Peas And Ham 1

Alternatives

You can make this recipe with either canned peas (well drained) or frozen peas. If using frozen peas, we recommend extending the sauce cooking time by a couple of minutes to allow them to become tender.

Tips

The preparation of Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham is really quick: the pasta cooking time matches the sauce cooking time. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance and keep it aside until the last moment.

Storage

Pasta with Cream, Peas and Ham can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. Before eating, we recommend reheating it in a pan or in the microwave.