Creamy Orzo With Ham and Peas

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish you can eat with a spoon. Serve with green salad and garlic bread. Great comfort food.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb orzo pasta
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  large shallot, finely chopped
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1⁄2 lb smoked ham, cubed
• 1 1⁄4 cups half-and-half
• 1  cup  frozen peas, thawed
• 3⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender,about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the ham and cook until they are heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the half and half and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
6. Stir in some reserved cooking liquid until pasta is desired consistency.
7. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.