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Creamy ham tortellini with green salad

Creamy ham tortellini with green salad is a pasta dish for 4 people, ready in 25 minutes, rated very easy, for about €2.60 per person. The key to success is adding the cream and parmesan off the heat so the sauce stays smooth and never splits.

Tonight, a quick dinner that always impresses, tortellini coated in a creamy sauce with ham and peas.

Creamy ham tortellini with green salad
Total time
25 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€2.60
Calories per person
670 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Fresh tortellini coated in a cream and parmesan sauce, with strips of ham and bright green peas, this is the kind of dish that comforts without ever feeling heavy. The sauce stays light and clingy, never thick or gluey, and the peas add a touch of sweetness that balances the ham nicely.

It's the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight, when you need a hot meal on the table in under 25 minutes. Kids love it, the soft texture of the tortellini and the mild creamy flavor are always a hit, and the green salad on the side adds just the right amount of freshness.

The ingredients

4 people

Dairy

  • fresh meat tortellini 500 g
  • ham slices 4 slices
  • heavy cream 25 cl
  • grated parmesan 50 g
  • butter 20 g

Frozen foods

  • frozen peas 150 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • onion 1
  • green salad 1

Pantry

  • olive oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • vinegaroften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • nutmegoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Gluten, Lactose, Eggs

The step by step recipe

  1. Soften the chopped onion in the butter over low heat, without letting it color. 5 min

    The onion should turn translucent, not brown.

  2. Add the peas and the ham cut into strips, and let them heat through. 3 min

    Use frozen peas, they're sweeter than canned ones.

  3. Cook the tortellini in salted boiling water, then drain, keeping a ladle of cooking water. 4 min

    Fresh tortellini cook fast, they're ready as soon as they float to the surface.

  4. Pour the cream into the pan, add the nutmeg and pepper, then the parmesan, and toss with the tortellini.

    A little pasta water loosens the sauce if it's too thick.

  5. Serve right away with the salad dressed in vinegar and olive oil.

    Sprinkle extra parmesan at the table, the heat melts it.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick fresh tortellini over dried, they cook in just a few minutes and stay softer and more tender.
  • Always save a ladle of pasta water before draining, it rescues the sauce if it thickens too fast.
  • Grate the parmesan yourself if you can, it melts better and tastes stronger than pre grated parmesan.

The variations

  • Swap the ham for smoked bacon lardons sautéed until crisp for a bolder flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and add sliced mushrooms cooked with the onion.
  • To make it even faster, use already cooked peas and skip the separate vegetable cooking step.

What to serve it with

  • Crusty bread to mop up the sauce
  • A glass of apple juice
  • A few extra cherry tomatoes with the salad

Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 days, the creamy sauce doesn't hold up well longer than that. Reheat gently in a pan or over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn't recommended, the cream may split when thawed.

Questions about this dish

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, check the package for timing, usually 10 to 12 minutes. The texture will be slightly less soft than with fresh tortellini.

How do I keep the cream sauce from splitting?

Always add the cream off the heat, never while the pan is boiling. Stir in the parmesan and a splash of pasta water for a smooth texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served right away, since the tortellini soak up the sauce as it sits. You can chop the ham and onion ahead of time to save a few minutes.

What can I use instead of peas?

Green beans cut into small pieces or small broccoli florets both work well. Add them frozen straight into the pan just like you would the peas.

How long does it take to make a creamy ham tortellini with green salad?

Count 25 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in a creamy ham tortellini with green salad?

About 670 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a creamy ham tortellini with green salad cost?

About €2.60 per serving, or €10.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, lactose, eggs. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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