Creamy Ham and Peas Bowtie Pasta with Bechamel (Besciamella) Sauce

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 2 tsp of salt to the boiling water.
2. While waiting for the water to boil, dice the ham and finely chop the onion.
3. In a nonstick large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil. Add the diced ham and cook until it starts to brown.
4. If the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta to the pot and cook according to the instructions on the box. Drain the cooked pasta
5. Then, add the chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are translucent and slightly browned.
6. Once the onions have cooked and the ham is browned, add the frozen peas to the skillet. Stir them for a minute or two until they turn a vibrant green and are no longer frozen. (set it aside until your pasta is ready)

Prepare the Creamy Sauce :

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and vigorously stir with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes, creating a roux.
2. Pour the cold milk into the pot all at once. Switch to a wire whisk and mix well until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, 2 tsp of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you'd like, you can also add 3 tbsp of white wine for extra flavor.

Combine and serve

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
2. You can choose to either pour the creamy sauce over the pasta or serve it on the side for individual customization.

Sauce perfection tip

1. If the sauce becomes lumpy at any point, don't worry. Simply transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the sauce to the pot and heat gently, stirring, until it reaches the desired consistency.
2. Enjoy your comforting and delicious creamy ham and peas bowtie pasta!
3. Note: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your taste preferences.