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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta, ham, garlic, and thawed peas to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat until the pasta is heated through and the peas are tender.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
606 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.8 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1426 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.0 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 32.6 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 387 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 465 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
