Pasta Shells with Peas and Ham
Creamy, comforting, and packed with savory goodness, this Pasta Shells with Peas and Ham recipe is a weeknight dinner winner. Tender pasta shells are bathed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, infused with the smoky flavor of diced ham and the natural sweetness of peas. Sautéed onions and garlic create a fragrant base for the sauce, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and hearty simplicity. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 grams smoked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly.
Stir in the thawed peas and cook for 2 minutes to heat them through.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the cream to reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until combined and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to thin it out.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
514 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.2 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 109 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1251 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 20.1 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 342 mg | 7% | |
*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.
