Ham and Pea Pasta

Ham and Pea Pasta is a cheap and fast main dish to fill hungry tums. I tend to buy a gammon and cook it myself for several meals including the chunks for this recipe. The frozen peas are easy and cheap and while I use sweetcorn from a tin, frozen can be used. Just add at the same time as the peas. The simple sauce of double cream, cheese and pasta water is lovely and smooth with amazing flavour.

Ham and Pea Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the richness of a comforting, creamy sauce. This pasta dish is ideal for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal, making it a favourite for busy weeknights and casual family dinners alike.

At the heart of this dish is fusilli pasta, whose spiral shape effortlessly clings to the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour. The addition of frozen peas and sweetcorn not only adds vibrant pops of colour but also brings a subtle sweetness and texture that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce. These vegetables also make the dish feel light and summery, despite its indulgent nature.

The sauce itself is made luscious by the inclusion of double cream, which is lightly flavoured with the zest and juice of a lemon, adding a fresh, tangy note that cuts through the creaminess. The lemon zest enhances the dish’s overall brightness, making it both comforting and refreshing.

Spring onions are sautéed in butter or olive oil, depending on preference, providing a mild, oniony undertone that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. The ham, diced into small pieces, adds a savoury, smoky element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peas and corn. Parmesan cheese, with its salty, nutty flavour is stirred in to thicken the sauce and give it a rich, umami depth.

Seasoned simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper, this Ham and Pea Pasta dish is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. It’s a versatile meal that can be adapted to personal tastes, yet it’s also perfect as is—a comforting, creamy dish that’s both indulgent and fresh.

Ham and Pea Pasta

Amazingly tasty meal ready in 20 minutes

4.55 from 180 votes

Print Facebook Pinterest Twitter Add to CollectionCollections

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Cheese, Dairy, Ham, Ham and Pea Pasta, Parmesan, Pasta, Vegetables

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 People

Calories: 905kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 200 g Fusilli pasta
• 200 g frozen peas
• 100 g sweetcorn drained
• 25 g butter or olive oil
• 3 large spring onions finely sliced
• 200 ml double cream
• 50 g Parmesan finely grated, plus extra to serve
• 2 slices ham thick cut and diced
• ½ large lemon juice only
• 1/2 large lemon zest only
• salt
• ground black pepper

Instructions

• Bring to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook per the packet instructions.
  200 g Fusilli pasta
• When the pasta is nearly cooked, add the frozen peas for the last minute or two.
  200 g frozen peas
• In a frying pan, add the butter or olive oil and place over a medium high heat.
  25 g butter
• Once the butter has melted, add the spring onions and fry until softened.
  3 large spring onions
• Remove from the heat until the pasta has cooked.
• Drain the pasta and peas retaining a mug of the starchy water. It will help to loosen the sauce a little later if needed.
• Add the pasta and peas into the frying pan.
• Return to the hob over a low medium heat.
• Add the sweetcorn (drained) to the frying pan.
  100 g sweetcorn
• Add the double cream, parmesan (cheese) and diced chunks of ham and stir together.
  200 ml double cream, 50 g Parmesan, 2 slices ham
• If the consistency is too thick, then add a little of the pasta water and stir again. Adjust accord to your taste.
• Stir until the sauce starts to bubble and turn the heat down even further. The sauce should be coating everything.
• Add the lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  salt, ground black pepper, 1/2 large lemon
• Add a little of the lemon juice and test. Add more if needed.
  ½ large lemon
• Serve into warmed bowls with an extra grating of cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 905kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 853mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3263IU | Vitamin C: 65mg | Calcium: 435mg | Iron: 4mg