Creamy penne with sweet peas, diced ham, and Parmesan sauce — a quick 30-minute meal perfect for spring.
# What You'll 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
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Stir in the diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and heated through.
04 - Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green. If using frozen peas, cook until heated through.
05 - Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
