Quick pasta featuring sweet peas, diced ham, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce perfect for easy weeknight dining.
# 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
→ Meats
05 - 1 cup cooked ham, diced
→ Dairy
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
11 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and heated through.
04 - Add peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green (if using frozen, cook until heated through).
05 - Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add drained penne to skillet, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
