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Meat, Busy evenings

Pasta with ham and peas

Pasta with ham and peas is a creamy dish for 4 people, ready in 20 minutes, rated very easy, for about €1.80 per person. The key to success is a cream sauce that coats the pasta without reducing too much, and ham that is just warmed through so it stays tender.

Tonight, fifteen minutes flat, creamy pasta with ham and bright green peas, a real classic the kids will love.

Pasta with ham and peas
Total time
20 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.80
Calories per person
580 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

This dish combines soft pasta, the light snap of peas, and a creamy sauce with a hint of nutmeg. Ham cut into strips adds tenderness without taking over, while parmesan brings a salty edge that ties everything together. It is a gentle, comforting meal, perfect when you want something cozy without any fuss.

This is the recipe for nights when you have no energy left but still need to feed the whole family. One pot handles both the pasta and the peas, which means less cleanup. Kids take to it easily thanks to the cream and ham, while adults appreciate how simple it is, whether on a weeknight or a lazy Sunday when cooking for hours is the last thing you want.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Pastaoften in the pantry 350 g
  • Nutmegoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Butcher

  • Ham 4 slices

Frozen foods

  • Frozen peas 300 g

Dairy

  • Heavy cream 20 cl
  • Parmesan 40 g
  • Butter 20 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onion 1

Allergens Gluten, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. 10 min

    Salt the water once it comes to a boil.

  2. Add the peas to the pasta water for the last two minutes of cooking.

    Save a cup of the cooking water.

  3. Soften the sliced onion in the butter, add the ham cut into strips, and let it warm through. 5 min

    Just warm the ham through, it toughens if it cooks too long.

  4. Pour in the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer gently. 3 min

    A ladle of pasta water makes the sauce smoother.

  5. Drain the pasta and peas, toss with the sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan.

    Mix off the heat, the sauce coats without drying out.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick short pasta shapes like shells or penne, they hold the creamy sauce better than spaghetti.
  • Stir in the parmesan off the heat and mix gently, it melts smoothly instead of turning stringy.
  • If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, loosen it with a splash of hot pasta water before serving.

The variations

  • Swap the ham for smoked bacon lardons for a bolder flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and add sliced mushrooms sauteed with the onion.
  • To save even more time, use leftover roast chicken instead of ham, just warm it through the same way.

What to serve it with

  • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
  • Fresh bread for mopping up sauce
  • Sparkling water with lemon

Storage

Keep this dish in the fridge for 2 days in a sealed container. Freezing is not recommended since the cream sauce can separate when thawed. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Questions about this dish

Can I use heavy cream instead of creme fraiche?

Yes, the sauce will be a bit thinner but still good. Let it simmer a little longer so it lightly coats the pasta.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can make the ham sauce a few hours ahead and reheat it gently. Cook the pasta and peas at the last minute so they stay tender.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Short shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well. Shapes with ridges or hollows also trap a few peas in every bite.

How can I adapt this for younger kids?

Cut the ham into small pieces instead of strips and lightly mash the peas. This makes the texture easier for little ones to eat.

How long does it take to make a pasta with ham and peas?

Count 20 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in a pasta with ham and peas?

About 580 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 pasta with ham and peas cost?

About €1.80 per serving, or €7.20 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

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

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