Creamy Penne Pasta with Ham and Peas
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Penne Pasta with Ham and Peas, a deliciously simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, infused with the savory richness of diced ham and the subtle sweetness of tender peas. A homemade roux forms the base of the silky sauce, complemented by a touch of garlic and a splash of cream for extra indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or fresh garlic bread. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, and savor every bite of this creamy, flavor-packed dish!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 3
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the ham and garlic from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 5
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7
Add the cooked penne pasta, ham, garlic, and thawed peas to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Step 8
Cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat until the pasta is heated through and the peas are tender.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1552.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3154.7 |
| Total Fat 138.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 70.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g | |
| Cholesterol 458.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5784.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 318.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 24.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 38.8g | |
| Protein 156.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 214.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1581.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2649.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories