Name: Pasta with 15-Minute Ham, Pea, and Cream Sauce
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound farfalle or other short pasta; Kosher salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 2 large); 4 ounces thick-cut ham (about 4 slices), cut into thin strips; 1 cup frozen or fresh shelled peas; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon); 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving; Freshly ground black pepper; Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Pasta with 15minute ham pea and cream sauce in a blue skillet.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Mindy Fox

Grated lemon zest gives this creamy classic a hit of bright flavor and a little added flair.

Recipe information

Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
4–6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound farfalle or other short pasta

Kosher salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 2 large)

4 ounces thick-cut ham (about 4 slices), cut into thin strips

1 cup frozen or fresh shelled peas

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
Cook farfalle in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain, reserving 2 Tbsp. pasta cooking liquid.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add shallots and 1/2 tsp. salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes (do not brown). Add ham, peas, and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest, 2 Tbsp. parsley, and 1/2 tsp. pepper.
Step 3
Return pasta to pot. Toss with sauce and reserved pasta cooking liquid; season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates, then top with parsley and Parmesan and season with more pepper.

TagsPasta Farfalle Italian American Italian European Ham Meat Pea Bean and Legume Vegetable Main Dinner Nut Free Quick 30 Minutes or Less Simmer Epicurious

Recipe notes

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