Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas

Name: Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 serving
Ingredients: 12 ounces orecchiette; kosher salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 ounces thickly-sliced ham; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 2 lemons; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese; 1 cup peas; ¼ - ⅓ cup chives

User Reviews

5.0

72 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
6
Calories
644 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas

Iris Warren

Report

This creamy pasta with ham, peas, and Parmesan is like the best adult version of mac and cheese thanks to the elevated zing of lemon zest.

Share:

I Made This!

54 people made this

Print

16 people printed this

Save this

43 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings

12 ounces orecchiette , (you could also use little shells or rigatoni)
kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 ounces thickly-sliced ham , diced (you could also use pancetta)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2 lemons , 1 zested (a heaping tablespoon of zest), the other reserved for serving
1 cup Parmesan Cheese , grated, plus more for serving
1 cup peas , fresh or frozen, just defrost if using frozen
¼ - ⅓ cup chives , finely chopped, for serving

Add to Shopping List

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season generously with salt and cook orecchiette according to package directions, until al denté. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
While pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of the butter. Once butter has melted, add the ham and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and slightly crisp. Remove ham with a slotted spoon and add to a plate or bowl.
To the same skillet, add the cream and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken the cream, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, the lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup pasta water, and parmesan, stirring to combine. Stir in pasta, peas, and ham, tossing to coat. Gradually add a bit more pasta water if needed. Taste and add more salt if desired. To serve, top with fresh chives, more lemon zest, and more grated Parmesan.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 644kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 23g (115%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 116mg (39%) Sodium 626mg (26%) Potassium 395mg (11%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1503IU (30%) Vitamin C 30mg (33%) Calcium 270mg (27%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 644 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	644kcal	32%
Carbohydrates	51g	17%
Protein	23g	46%
Fat	39g	60%
Saturated Fat	23g	115%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	11g	55%
Trans Fat	1g	50%
Cholesterol	116mg	39%
Sodium	626mg	26%
Potassium	395mg	8%
Fiber	4g	16%
Sugar	6g	12%
Vitamin A	1503IU	30%
Vitamin C	30mg	33%
Calcium	270mg	27%
Iron	2mg	11%