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Ham and Peas Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
4.9 from 144 votes

Ham and Peas Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

This Ham and Peas Pasta features spaghetti tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce enriched with butter, half and half, and herbs. The addition of smoky honey ham and sweet peas brings savory and sweet contrasts to the dish. The sauce is thickened with a flour roux and seasoned with thyme and basil for subtle aromatic notes.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
  2. 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.
  3. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, thyme and basil. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in spaghetti, ham and peas, and gently toss to combine.
  6. 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.