If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal that’s as quick as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe. It combines tender fusilli pasta with savory chunks of ham and sweet little bursts of peas, all brought together in a creamy, lightly seasoned sauce. This dish is a perfect weeknight winner that feels like a warm hug on a plate without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step to making this delightful dish. Each item is simple yet plays a crucial role in delivering that wonderful balance of creamy richness, savory depth, and a fresh pop of color and texture.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté the vegetables and unlock their flavors.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity when softened.
- Garlic: Offers fragrant aromatics that deepen the dish’s savory notes.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with a savory, comforting foundation.
- Half-and-half: Creates that creamy, luscious sauce that dresses the fusilli perfectly.
- Fusilli pasta: The spiral shape that holds the sauce beautifully and makes every bite satisfying.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that brightens and rounds out the flavors effortlessly.
- Cooked ham: Brings a hearty, smoky element that pairs wonderfully with the peas.
- Frozen peas: Their sweet pop colors the dish and adds a fresh bite.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate every flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty finish if you like a cheesier touch.
How to Make Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften and turn translucent for about 5 minutes. This step is where the base flavors start to build, softening the onion’s sharpness into gentle sweetness that’s essential for the sauce.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in minced garlic and cook just until you can smell that wonderful fragrance, about 30 seconds. Garlic doesn’t need long—this quick sauté adds just the right punch without overpowering the dish.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Cream, Pasta, and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, then stir in your fusilli pasta along with the Italian seasoning. Crank the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce it to medium and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the pasta soaks up all the lovely creamy flavor.
Step 4: Add Ham and Peas
At this point, your pasta should be close to tender perfection. Taste to check the texture; if it’s nearly done, fold in the chopped ham and frozen peas. Let it cook for another 5 minutes so the ham warms and the peas defrost and stay vibrant green and sweet. This adds a fantastic contrast of texture and taste that makes this dish shine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, dish out your Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe while it’s warm and comforting. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. It’s a meal that’s ready fast but feels like you put in a big effort — perfect for satisfying both busy schedules and hunger pangs.
How to Serve Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe to something special. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor, or a generous grating of parmesan cheese for a salty, savory finish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a silky touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance its creamy richness. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or bell peppers, add a smoky depth and great texture contrast too. If you’re after a hearty option, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser alongside this Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual small bowls or even roll it into bite-sized pasta nests for a party appetizer style. You can sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for a delightful crunch or serve with a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten up each bite. Adding finely chopped fresh herbs or even a few chili flakes can bring an unexpected but delicious kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, sometimes tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
Because of the creamy half-and-half base, freezing this pasta is not ideal, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze portions, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate, thaw gently, and recombine when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture if it feels too thick. Stir often to ensure even heating and avoid sticking. You can also microwave it covered, checking every 60 seconds until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is perfect because of its twisty shape that catches the sauce, penne, rotini, or even small shells would work beautifully too.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the ham and perhaps add extra peas or mushrooms for heartiness. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Fresh peas are lovely if they’re in season; just blanch them briefly before adding to ensure they cook through evenly and keep their bright color and sweetness.
What can I substitute for half-and-half if I don’t have it?
You can mix equal parts milk and heavy cream as a substitute or simply use whole milk with a bit of extra butter for richness. Just remember the sauce might be a little less creamy.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, including prep and cooking, this Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe takes about 25 minutes—perfect for a fast weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a creamy, hearty pasta that combines the delicate sweetness of peas with savory ham in every bite. This Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that feels like home on a plate. Once you give it a try, I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation too. So grab your ingredients, follow along, and enjoy every single cozy, delicious bite!
Print
Ham and Pea Fusilli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Ham and Pea Pasta is a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender fusilli pasta simmered in a rich mixture of half-and-half and chicken broth, sautéed onion and garlic, flavored with Italian seasoning, and finished with cooked ham and sweet peas. It’s a hearty dish that comes together quickly and can be topped with freshly grated parmesan for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 3 cups fusilli pasta
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1–2 cups cooked ham, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant without letting it brown.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, then add the fusilli pasta and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Ham and Peas: Taste the pasta to check doneness. When nearly cooked, stir in the chopped ham and frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately. Top dishes with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fusilli or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Adjust the amount of ham based on preference and protein needs.
- Fresh peas can be used instead of frozen; just add them a minute or two earlier to cook fully.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the half-and-half to 1 1/2 cups.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty, nutty finish but is optional.
