Vibrant penne with sweet peas, diced ham, and rich cream sauce. A quick, satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
→ Meat
05 - 1 cup cooked ham, diced
→ Dairy
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional for pasta water
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for sauce adjustment.
02 - While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned and heated through.
04 - Add the peas to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and tender. If using frozen peas, cook until heated through.
05 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
07 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
