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If you’re looking for a delightful meal that combines comforting creaminess with a burst of fresh flavor, this One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a quick, satisfying dish where tender pasta cooks directly in a luscious, cheesy sauce infused with savory ham and sweet peas. This recipe beautifully blends ease and elegance, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish shine.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the ham and garlic to build a flavorful base.
- 1.5 cups diced ham: Offers a smoky, savory punch that’s the star protein in this pasta.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle bite to brighten the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a velvety roux that clings to every noodle.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a mild herbal note and a hint of green freshness.
- 6 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed): Provides the flavorful cooking liquid that transforms into the creamy sauce.
- 1 (12-oz) box uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape like linguine or shells to soak up that creamy goodness.
- 1.5 cups frozen peas: Pops of sweet, tender green to contrast the richness perfectly.
- 1 (5-oz) package Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs (or 4 oz cream cheese plus seasoning): Creates a luscious, herby creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty savory depth to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Ham and Garlic
Start by melting the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for about 1-2 minutes to bring out its smoky charm. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — this quick step builds a foundation of savory goodness you’ll love.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Turn down the heat to low, then sprinkle in the flour and dried parsley. Stir continuously for a full minute to cook the flour, ensuring your sauce won’t taste raw. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a boil once before reducing to a gentle simmer. This silky base is what transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook Pasta and Peas
Add your uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, making sure it’s submerged in the broth— break longer noodles in half if needed. Simmer over medium heat, stirring every so often to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly tender. This method lets the pasta soak in all that flavorful broth, while the peas gently thaw and soften.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Pasta and Peas
Once the pasta is almost done, stir in the frozen peas and keep cooking for another 4-5 minutes. This final simmer melds everything together and yields a creamy texture that clings perfectly to every bite. Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses and Serve
Mix in the Boursin cheese (or cream cheese alternative) along with the grated Parmesan. The cheeses melt into the pasta, creating an indulgent, velvety sauce. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture. Feel free to personalize your portion with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, lemon zest, or even a dusting of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
How to Serve One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding bright, fresh garnishes can elevate this comforting dish to something truly memorable. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, or some freshly grated lemon zest for a zesty brightness. A dash of red pepper flakes brings a subtle heat that contrasts delightfully with the creamy sauce. These simple touches add personality and excitement with almost no effort.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a one-pot meal, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect partner. Something bright and tangy cuts through the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also works wonderfully to mop up any leftover sauce—because nobody likes leaving that delicious sauce behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve this One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls so the sauce pools gently around the noodles. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving adds an irresistible finishing touch. Alternatively, serve family style in the skillet itself for a cozy, casual approach that’s sure to bring everyone together at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Because this pasta is rich and saucy, it reheats beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for quick lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
This One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe freezes well, though the texture of the peas may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating without drying out. This way, you’ll bring back the creamy dreaminess each time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Boursin cheese, cream cheese with added garlic powder and herbs works wonderfully as a substitute. The key is to choose a creamy, flavorful cheese that melts well into the sauce.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
This recipe shines with both long, thin pasta like linguine and short shapes like shells. The long pasta offers a delightful twirl, while shells hold onto the cheesy sauce perfectly. Feel free to pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You might want to add some extra vegetables or mushrooms for that smoky, savory punch ham usually provides.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives and choose a dairy-free milk or broth combo to maintain creaminess. The flavor profile will differ slightly, but it will still be rich and comforting.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in extras like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the peas. Just add them during the cooking step to ensure they soften nicely with the pasta.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe enough. It’s that perfect blend of comforting, creamy, and fresh with so little fuss, and it transforms simple ingredients into an unbeatable weeknight dinner. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with how easy and delicious dinner can be!
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One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining savory ham, tender pasta, and sweet peas in a rich cheese sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The recipe uses a single skillet to cook everything from sautéing the ham to simmering the pasta, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 cups diced ham (or more if you like)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 6 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
- 1 (12-oz) box uncooked pasta (linguine or shells recommended)
- 1.5 cups frozen peas
- 1 (5-oz) package Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs (or 4 oz regular cream cheese plus extra seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté ham and garlic: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add diced ham and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the roux and broth mixture: Reduce heat to low. Stir in flour and dried parsley continuously for one minute to form a roux. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Increase heat and bring to a boil once, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook pasta and peas: Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, submerging it fully in the liquid (break linguine in half if needed). Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost cooked through.
- Finish cooking: Stir in the frozen peas and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, or until pasta is tender and the sauce becomes creamy. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add cheeses and serve: Stir in the Boursin cheese (or cream cheese with seasoning) and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately, optionally topped with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes according to preference.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of ham according to taste or leftovers available.
- If the sauce gets too thick or the pasta isn’t fully submerged, add a little extra broth to maintain consistency.
- Cooking the roux low and slow helps avoid burning while fully cooking the flour flavor out.
- Stirring the pasta occasionally prevents sticking and helps even cooking.
- Optional garnishes like parsley, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes enhance flavor and presentation.
