Even if you’re new to cooking, this comforting ham and pea pasta is an easy and satisfying dish you can make with confidence. The creamy sauce is wonderfully simple—no complicated techniques required. All it takes is gently warming the ingredients together to let the flavors meld, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy solo meal. The rich double cream adds a luxurious texture that coats the pasta beautifully, while the sweet pops of peas and salty ham balance each bite. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty, delicious supper on the table in no time.
Each generous serving delivers around 1140 kcal, 38g of protein to keep you full, 86g of carbohydrates (including 7g of sugars), and 69g of fat—of which 42g are saturates, contributing to that indulgent creaminess. It also offers 11g of fibre for digestive health and 1.5g of salt, rounding out a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ham and pea pasta- ingredient list!
Here is the list of ingredients you need to make this meal truly burst with flavour—each one playing its part in creating a rich, comforting bowl of pasta with a creamy, savoury twist!
Shapes of dried pasta, 100g/3½oz
100g/3½oz of frozen peas with a splash of olive oil or a dollop of butter
One or two spring onions, cut into thin slices after separating the white and green sections
3½ ounces (100ml) of double cream
25g/1oz Finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more to serve
Diced ½ lemon, zest and juice, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and one thick-cut slice of ham
Ham and pea pasta- step by step instruction list!
Step 1
Begin by bringing a large saucepan of generously salted water to the boil—salting the water well at this stage helps season the pasta right from the start, enhancing the overall flavour of the finished dish. Once the water is at a rolling boil, tip in your chosen pasta, whether it’s penne, fusilli, or another favourite shape. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan. Cook according to the packet instructions, usually around 9 to 11 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a pleasant bite—what Italians call al dente.
Step 2
About one minute before the pasta is due to finish cooking, add the frozen peas straight into the pot. This brief cooking time is all they need to defrost and become tender, while still retaining their bright green colour and natural sweetness. Once everything is cooked, reserve a small cup of the starchy pasta water—this can be useful for adjusting the sauce later if needed—then drain the pasta and peas together in a colander.
Step 3
While the pasta is bubbling away, get started on the base of your creamy sauce. Place a medium-sized frying pan over a gentle heat and add a knob of butter or a splash of olive oil—either will work well, depending on whether you prefer a richer or lighter finish. As the butter melts or the oil begins to shimmer, add the finely sliced white parts of the spring onions (reserving the green tops for garnish or later use if you like).
Step 4
The spring onions should start to soften and exude their subtle, savoury aroma after approximately a minute of gentle frying, with occasional tossing. The goal of this stage is to bring out their inherent sweetness and establish a subtle, fragrant base for the creamy sauce; you don’t want them to brown or crisp up.
Step 5
Turn off the heat and put the pan aside after they are soft and transparent. Allowing the onions to sit for a short while while the pasta cooks helps their tastes to develop and allows you to slowly combine all the ingredients.
Step 6
Once the pasta and peas are cooked to your liking, drain them well in a colander—but don’t forget to reserve a ladleful of that valuable cooking water first. The starchy water is like liquid gold for pasta sauces, helping everything come together with a smooth, silky finish.
Step 7
Tip the hot pasta and peas straight into the frying pan with the softened spring onions. Return the pan to a low–medium heat. Now it’s time to bring the whole dish together: pour in the double cream, scatter in the chopped or torn ham, and add a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan for a deep, savoury kick. To help everything blend smoothly, pour in about 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. This starchy liquid will help emulsify the sauce, making it glossy and coating the pasta evenly.
Step 8
Stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed. As the cream starts to warm through and gently bubble, the cheese will melt, the ham will heat up, and the sauce will begin to thicken slightly. Once it’s bubbling softly, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring just until the sauce clings luxuriously to the pasta.
Step 9
Keep an eye on the consistency—if at any point the sauce starts to look too thick or dry (this can happen quickly), simply add a splash more of the reserved pasta water and stir until it’s smooth again. You’re aiming for a silky coating, not a heavy or clumpy sauce.
Step 10
To finish the dish with a fresh, zesty lift, stir in the finely grated lemon zest and the reserved green parts of the spring onions. The zest adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the cream, while the spring onion greens bring a touch of colour and a mild, oniony freshness. Give everything a gentle stir so these final flavours are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 11
Now it’s time to taste—season with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, adjusting as needed. Squeeze in a little lemon juice, starting with just a teaspoon or so, then taste again and add more if you like a sharper contrast to the creamy sauce. The lemon juice helps balance the dish and brings all the flavours together.
Serve the pasta immediately while it’s still warm and silky, twirling it into bowls or onto plates. For an extra indulgent finish, sprinkle over some freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. It melts slightly into the hot pasta, adding even more savoury depth.
For more recipes like this delicious ham and pea pasta, click on this link here!
For more recipes, articles and more like this ham and pea pasta , click on this link here!
