Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe (2024)

Published: Mar 18, 2022 by Eileen xo

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This delicious ham and pea pasta recipe is a fabulous choice for a quick dinner. It is a great way to use leftover ham for a delicious creamy pasta dinner.

This ham, pea, and pasta dinner is awesome to make with either leftover ham or diced ham It's creamy, hearty, and will be loved by all.

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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
Storage
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations
Serving Suggestions
Similar recipes
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

The creamy sauce is perfectly paired with the combo of ham, peas, and pasta, ham.
Using leftover ham is a great way to make a great meal with leftovers.
Make this easy pasta recipe anytime and the whole family will love it.
A great way to use leftover ham.

Ingredients

Farfalle pasta or any small tube pasta works well
Diced ham or leftover ham works well.
Peas, frozen or drained canned peas. I prefer frozen peas as there is no sodium added.
Heavy cream adds the perfect amount of creaminess.
Mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese and the perfect blend of creaminess and smoky flavor.
Onion and garlic add another level of flavor.
Parmesan cheese adds more flavor.

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Equipment

cast iron pan: Use either a cast iron pan or skillet.
pasta pot: Make a lot of pasta then you will love this pot.

Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute shallots and garlic in 1 Tablespoon of butter for about 1 minute. This softens the shallots and releases the flavors into the pan. Then, add in the garlic and seasonings to release the flavors together.
Whisk in the heavy cream, and simmer to blend flavors.
Blend in all the cheese, and whisk until all the cheese is melted.
Stir in peas and the diced ham.
Mix in the cooked pasta. Simmer and stir for a minute or two to warm through. Top with Parmesan cheese and black pepper and serve.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered airtight container.

We do not recommend freezing this recipe because of the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips

Expert Tip: Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to add into the cream sauce if needed. The pasta water will thin out a thick sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any other meat be used in the recipe?

Sure. Proscuitto or bacon can also be used for this recipe.

Can the heavy cream be replaced in the sauce?

Sure, half and half or whipped cream can be used.

Variations

Use any shape of pasta your family enjoys. I prefer small shapes like farfalle (bowtie pasta), shells, and elbow macaroni. Gluten-free pasta can be used
We use shallots but you can also use onions, red onions, or ½ teaspoon onion powder. Don't have any onion or powder, leave it out.
Mozzarella is delish and is ooey-gooey and a staple for this recipe. For me, no substitute. In a pinch, for the alternate cheese, you can experiment. Gruyere or Gouda cheese are tasty substitutes.
Italian seasoning is my go-to seasoning as it packs a few herbs. Dried oregano or basil also works well.
Whether you enjoying a pecan praline glazed ham or country ham, the results are always delicious. Repurposing the leftovers is so much fun as the flavor blends are endless.
Plus, you can always buy either ham steaks or diced ham to make this creamy pasta recipe any time.

Serving Suggestions

A simple salad such as an arugula salad would be wonderful on the side.

Similar recipes

Another easy pasta recipe to try is our linguine with white clam sauce, delish.

For a vegetarian option try my Mediterranean eggplant sauce over pasta.

Cajun Mac and Cheese is delicious and always a hit.

Next time, try my friend Ginagi from Giangi's Kitchen's Penne, Pasta, Peas, and Bacon. So full of flavor and a great pasta dinner.

I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

Eileen xo

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Creamy Ham, Peas, and Pasta

Creamy sauce tops pasta with ham and peas. A great recipe to use leftover holiday ham.

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked farfalle pasta or your favorite small pasta
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 1 and 3 Tablespoons Note 1
1 shallot, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning Note 2
½ teaspoon salt Note 3
½ teaspoon black pepper Note 2
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream Note 4
1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup diced ham Note 4
pasta water Note
fresh parsley, optional garnish

Instructions

Prepare the farfalle according to package directions, set aside
While pasta cooks, in a saute pan, over medium heat add 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (Note 1), let melt. Add in diced shallots, saute about 2 minutes to soften shallots.
Add in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue to saute another few seconds to blend flavors. (Note 6)
Stir in the remaining butter (Note 1), let melt. Whisk in the flour, continue to whisk about 1 minute to blend flavors.
Whisk in heavy cream to blend. Cook and stir occasionally, about 5 minutes to thicken sauce.
Mix in the shredded cheese combo. Whisk to melt cheese, about 1 minute.
Gently stir in the peas, ham, and cooked farfalle. Simmer another minute to blend flavors and warm pasta, stirring occasionally.
Taste sauce for seasoning, adjust any, if needed.
Serve with chopped fresh parsley, optional.

Notes

Note 1: Use 1 Tablespoon of unsalted butter to saute the shallots and garlic. The remaining 3 Tablespoons get added in with the flour to make a roux to thicken the sauce.

Note 2: Italian seasoning is my go-to for depth of flavor. You can vary dried herbs with what you have on hand such as dried basil or parsley.

Note 3: Start with this amount, you may need more depending on your taste when you finish the recipe.

Note 4: Half and half can be used for a lighter flavor.

Note 5 : Use leftover ham or purchase diced ham or a ham steak.

Note 6: Be sure to saute garlic quickly to blend flavors. Burnt garlic doesn't taste good at all.

Note 7: The water that the pasta cooks in is valuable for any sauce that will be made for it. Always reserve a cup or two of the water before draining the pasta. The pasta water adds flavor and can thin out the sauce if too thick.

Nutrition

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This recipe was originally published on April 10, 2020, updated updated Jan 7, 2024 for user experience.

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