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
Scale
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.
