Vibrant penne tossed with fresh peas, diced ham, and a silky cream sauce. Quick, comforting, and ready in 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 more for pasta water
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
02 - While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Add diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and heated through.
04 - Stir in peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green. If using frozen peas, cook until fully heated through.
05 - Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. If sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until reaching desired consistency.
07 - Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
