Description
This One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta is a quick and comforting weeknight meal that combines tender ham, sweet peas, and creamy cheese all cooked together in a single skillet. With minimal cleanup and rich flavors from Boursin cheese and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a hearty yet simple dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Common Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 cups diced ham (or more if you prefer)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 6 cups chicken broth (plus extra if 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 with extra seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté ham and garlic: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the roux and broth base: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle in the flour and dried parsley, stirring continuously for about one minute to cook the flour and form a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
- Cook pasta and peas: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. If needed, break long pasta to fit. Let it simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly cooked through.
- Finish cooking pasta and add peas: Stir in the frozen peas and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the pasta is fully tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the Boursin cheese (or cream cheese alternative) and grated Parmesan until melted and combined. Serve immediately, garnished if desired with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can use more ham if you prefer a meatier dish.
- Add extra chicken broth as needed if the pasta absorbs too much liquid during cooking.
- Be sure to stir continuously after adding flour to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Stir occasionally while cooking pasta to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
