Simple Pasta with Peas, Ham and Cream

This pasta dish is perfectly simple.  It is a great way to use up some leftover ham and turn it into a comforting and delicious meal!

   Spring is finally here!  Well, in two days it will be anyway.  I don't know about you, but I am ready.  I've had enough of the back and forth between nice weather and cold.  Our daffodils came out and bloomed and it snowed two days later.

    Our blackberry bushes are getting leaves and our strawberry patch was greening up too.  Hopefully the subsequent freeze didn't set anything back too far.  That weather man of ours likes to keep us on our toes!

    All it takes is a few warm days and for the grass to start to green up and my tastes start to change.  After a long winter of soups, casseroles and braises, I am now ready for quicker, fresher and easier meals.

    Peas are one of those early spring vegetables that is always a favorite.  There is something about a pod of sweet peas straight from the vine.  You don't even have to cook them.  Of course, that is a taste that is hard to come by and it is a bit early for them.  But really frozen peas are a good substitute.
 
     Ham is another dish that says spring to me.  It isn't necessarily an obvious spring choice, but with Easter coming up there is soon to be plenty of hams on people's tables.  This Simple Pasta with Peas, Ham and Cream would be a delicious way to use some of those Easter leftovers.

    I love how simple and flavorful this dish turns out.  The smell of the butter, onions, garlic and ham cooking draws you in.  Luckily at that point you are just a handful of minutes away from a delicious meal.

    Some dishes like this make a heavy sauce to coat everything.  I wanted just enough cream to give a very light coating to everything.

    To me the sweet fresh flavor of the peas and the salty savory ham should shine and not be masked by too much cream and cheese.  Don't get me wrong, I love cream and cheese, but in some cases moderation actually is better.  I am not the only one that likes it just like this.

   Not a single one of us was super hungry when we sat down to eat, but all three of us had seconds.  I quickly packaged up the leftovers in lunch sized containers to keep it for myself.  Lunch this week is going to be delicious!

 
   We also love celebrating spring with my lightened up version of creamy pea salad or maple bacon asparagus salad.

   Now I am wondering.  What are some of your favorite spring dishes and flavors?  Is there anything that really signifies spring for you?

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Simple Pasta with Peas, Ham and Cream

by Cooking With Carlee March-19-2017

Ingredients

• 16 oz pasta
• 2 T butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups ham, cubed
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2/3 cup cream
• 2 cups fresh or defrosted peas
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• salt and pepper
• optional: additional Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Boil noodles and cook to al dente according to the package directions. 2. Meanwhile, in a large pan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, ham, garlic and a pinch of black pepper and cook until onions are soft and translucent.3. Stir in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.4. Stir in pasta and continue to simmer until pasta is coated. Add peas, stirring to combine and then remove from heat. 5. Add Parmesan cheese and adjust salt and pepper to taste.6. Serve immediately with an additional grating of Parmesan if desired.

Details

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 25 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: Serves 6-8