Creamy Penne Pasta With Ham and Peas

Submitted by Aurora

"I tried to copy a wonderful dish I had at a small local Italian restaurant and this one turned out WONDERFUL (for a lot less money too!) The flavors are excellent and it's a totally new way to use up leftover ham. The crispy ham reminds me of pancetta. This is a very forgiving recipe and many different vegetables can be added to your liking, try sauteed zucchini with the peas, or mushrooms, broccoli, etc."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 4 cups penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup peas, frozen petite
• 1 1⁄2 cups ham, chopped small
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 5 -6 garlic cloves, chopped (or more!)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, lite is wonderful in this
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 -2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• fresh pepper (to taste)

directions

1. Bring large pot of water to boil and add pasta, cooking to al dente.
2. Add peas last 2-3 minutes to pasta.
3. Scoop out 1 cup pasta water, then drain, and place in a large serving dish.
4. Whisk flour into milk (or shake together in a jar) till mixed well.
5. In skillet, pour olive oil in and add ham, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until ham is crispy. Remove to paper towel to drain.
6. In sauce pan, melt butter (or use more olive oil) and saute garlic over medium low for about 2-3 minutes (if you love garlic, feel free to add more!).
7. Whisk in milk/flour mixture and add chipped cream cheese, whisking till melted into sauce smoothly. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk till incorporated.
8. In large dish with pasta and peas, toss in crispy ham, and any other vegetables you want (optional).
9. Pour sauce over pasta and mix, pouring in pasta water till nice and creamy.
10. Top with more parmesan and fresh ground pepper.
11. serve immediately with tossed salad and garlic bread. YUM!

Reviews

[RedSoxsNation 33fan]

This was AWESOME. I added chicken and cut them up to 1 inch pieces and added that with the ham. I didn't realize that my milk was used up so i used half/half which the pasta water came in handy for that to thin it out. And I had frozen peas and carrort instead of just peas. The carrots added a little pop of color. This is certainly a keeper!

 

[georgiagal12]

I had some frozen cheese ravioli,left over ham and nuefchatel cheese. et voila! soooo good. I didn't change anything else, other than using some left over condensed milk to the mixture of milk and flour.

 

[jfloyd823]

DH and I loved this and was just as good the next day warmed up. He felt it matched/surpassed our favorite Italian restaurant dish. Really no changes though may throw in some pine nuts next time - Really a keeper and will do again - cooking the ham does make a big difference - be sure and do that

 

[Tarbean]

I had leftovers from a spiral cut ham and this was a great way to use it up. Quite good on its own it could use a little something to make it really good, but I couldn't figure out what that was.

 

[NurseJaney]

Prepared 1/2 -- DH and I don't always agree on "degree of flavor", so I made this primarily for me. Had ham slices from family reunion, and crisped the cubed pieces with a minced slice of red onion, and roasted garlic. Bowing to the tastebuds of the Master, I added @ 2 Tbsp. white worcestershire, and additional white pepper. I thoroughly enjoyed it -- DH shrugged, said it needed some sharp cheddar ! I will add that to the leftovers for him ! Thanks, Aurora -- this was very satisfying.