Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
644 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas
Description
Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas features orecchiette pasta cooked al dente and enveloped in a luscious sauce crafted from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Lemon zest adds a fresh citrus aroma, cutting through the richness for a more vibrant profile. The diced ham is browned until slightly crisp, lending a subtle smokiness and hearty texture that complements the sweetness of peas mixed in at the end. The sauce is simmered to thicken before pasta and ingredients are combined, making for a velvety and cohesive dish.
The flavor balance between the creamy sauce and zesty lemon creates an appealing complexity, while the peas introduce a tender crunch. This dish is suitable for serving as a main course in a casual lunch or dinner. Fresh chives and extra Parmesan are suggested garnishes to elevate the taste and presentation.
Adjusting the reserved pasta water helps achieve the ideal sauce consistency and seasoning can be modified to taste. Lemon wedges serve as a bright finishing touch when serving, enhancing the citrus notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta you could also use little shells or rigatoni
- kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 6 ounces ham diced (you could also use pancetta, thickly sliced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 lemon 1 zested (a heaping tablespoon of zest), the other reserved for serving, plural
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese , grated, plus more for serving
- 1 cup pea , fresh or frozen, just defrost if using frozen
- ¼ - ⅓ cup chives , finely chopped, for serving
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 DetailsNutrition 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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