Ham and Peas Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
Ham and Peas Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
Description
The recipe begins by cooking spaghetti until al dente, then setting it aside while the sauce is prepared. Butter and garlic are sautéed to develop the base flavor, followed by whisking in flour to create a roux that thickens the sauce. Gradually, chicken broth and dried herbs like thyme and basil are incorporated, adding depth to the cream sauce.
Half and half is stirred in with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to give the sauce a rich, velvety texture with a sharp, nutty finish. The cooked pasta, hickory smoked honey ham, and sweet peas are gently folded in, allowing the flavors to meld without breaking the pasta. Fresh parsley adds a bright garnish.
This pasta pairs well as a comforting main course for a weeknight meal or casual dinner, balancing creamy, smoky, and subtly herbed tastes. The recipe notes offer a substitution for half and half if unavailable.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti SimplyNature organic brand
- ¼ cup butter unsalted, Countryside Creamery
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Baker’s Corner brand
- 1 cup chicken broth or more, as needed, Chef's Cupboard brand
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried, Stonemill brand
- ½ teaspoon dried basil Stonemill brand
- ½ cup half and half Countryside Creamery brand
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, Priano brand
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 cups hickory smoked honey ham chopped, spiral sliced, Appleton Farms
- 1 cup sweet peas frozen, Season’s Choice brand
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- To make the garlic parmesan cream sauce, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, thyme and basil. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in half and half and Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more half and half as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Stir in spaghetti, ham and peas, and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute 1 cup half and half with 3/4 cup whole milk plus 1/4 cup heavy cream, or 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk plus 1/3 cup heavy cream.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and sauce texture.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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