Orecchiette Pasta with Peas Ham and Cream
Indulge in the comforting charm of Orecchiette Pasta with Peas, Ham, and Cream—a creamy, hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. Tender orecchiette pasta cradles a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of butter, while sweet peas and savory diced ham add vibrant pops of flavor and texture. Fragrant garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley makes for an elegant finishing touch. This recipe is a quick and satisfying meal, ready in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for both casual dining and entertaining. Serve it warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Orecchiette pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 150 grams Cooked ham, diced
- 200 grams Frozen peas, thawed
- 250 ml Heavy cream
- 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (around 9–12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the diced ham and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown.
Add the thawed peas to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it as needed.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
798 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.4 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 103 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 1216 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.5 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 367 mg | 8% | |
*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.
