Make my one pot Pasta with Peas and Ham in under a half hour utilizing leftover ham, penne pasta, frozen peas, and heavy cream. This is a family favorite dinner recipe among both kids and adults with easy clean-up!
In a dinner rut? Don’t worry. We all get in them–heck I’m in one right now. I think it’s pretty normal. This week (or next) you can try my recipe for One Pot Creamy Ham & Pea Pasta. You will have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes (that includes prep time). Best of all minimal dishes to clean up after dinner thanks to this one pot pasta dinner.
What makes this recipe quick cooking is the store bought cooked cubed ham. It’s a time saver and tastes just as good as a slow cooked ham. Of course if you have leftover ham from a holiday like Easter or Christmas, or maybe even made a ham for Sunday dinner, by all means dice up the ham, and use it in this Pasta with Peas and Ham recipe
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Ham – Either packaged diced ham or leftover ham will work for this recipe.
- Pasta – I love to use penne pasta for this dish, but any shorter pasta would work.
- Seasonings – I like to use dried onion flakes and Italian seasoning in this recipe as well as black pepper. I personally have never felt I needed salt thanks to the ham and Parmesan cheese, but you can always add in a little if you need it.
- Chicken Broth – Whenever you are cooking it’s always good to cook with unsalted chicken broth.
- Peas – Frozen peas are a staple in my home, and I always have them in the freezer to add to pasta.
- Heavy Cream – This is key for the creamy cheesy sauce for the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese finishes this dish off perfectly.
Directions
In a large skillet melt butter on medium-high heat. Add the diced ham, pasta, onion flakes, and Italian seasoning. Then add in the chicken broth. Mix well.
Reduce the heat to medium, place the lid on the pot, and cook for 15 minutes. Mix periodically.
Turn off the burner. Mix in the green peas, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt (if needed) and pepper. Let sit with lid on for 3-5 minutes. Divide evenly and enjoy!
FAQs
Here are all the frequently asked questions readers have asked when making this recipe.
This one pot creamy ham pasta recipe feeds at least 6 adults! You can possibly stretch this meal to serve 8 if you serve with a roasted vegetable, salad, and bread.
I love using my big OXO skillet in this recipe. It holds all the ingredients with plenty of room for cooking. You definitely need to have a lid for your skillet—it’s key to the quick cooking method. It has a large lid, which is perfect when making a one-pot meal.
Yes, you can absolutely use a different type of pasta if you don’t have penne pasta on hand. I would suggest farfale or rotini pasta. I would personally stay away from long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks I’ve learned when making this ham and peas pasta recipe.
- Yield – This recipe yields enough for 6 large adult portions.
- Cheese – If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese works as a substitute and it’s often what I use when I make this recipe.
- Ham – Depending on the flavors of your ham will depend on the flavor it will give off in your pasta. I always use a brown sugar glazed ham for this recipe.
Pasta Recipe
If you are still craving pasta I would suggest you try these pasta recipes next.
Looking to use up that last of your leftover ham? Try these recipes…
- Ham Egg and Cheese Casserole
- Ham Egg and Cheese Breakfast Pastry
- Southern Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches
- Ham and Egg Savory Waffle Stack
If you make this ham and pasta recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Pasta with Peas and Ham
Equipment
- Stove Top
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 2 cups Cooked ham diced
- 32 oz. Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 16 oz. Penne Pasta
- 2 cups Frozen green peas
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet melt butter on medium-high heat. Add the diced ham, pasta, onion flakes, and Italian seasoning. Then add in the chicken broth. Mix well.
- Reduce the heat to medium, place the lid on the pot, and cook for 15 minutes. Mix periodically.
- Turn off the burner. Mix in the green peas, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt (if needed) and pepper. Let sit with lid on for 3-5 minutes. Divide evenly and enjoy!
Notes
- Yield – This recipe yields enough for 6 large adult portions.
- Cheese – If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese works as a substitute and it’s often what I use when I make this recipe.
- Ham – Depending on the flavors of your ham will depend on the flavor it will give off in your pasta. I always use a brown sugar glazed ham for this recipe.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!