5.0 from 72 votes
Creamy Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 644 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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
% 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.