Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Whipping up this creamy bow tie pasta with ham and peas is like giving your taste buds a first-class ticket to Flavor Town! The combo of buttery Parmesan sauce, savory ham, and fresh parsley makes it perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends with your mad cooking skills. 🌿🍝✨

This Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta is just plain delicious. Its flavor is straightforward but subtle, making it something I could enjoy on a regular basis without getting tired of it.

Bow tie pasta is a pasta shape that I don’t use very often; it’s fun to eat because of its shape and because it holds onto whatever sauce you’ve given it. Sweet peas remind me of summer; they were my favorite vegetable to eat as a kid.

Ham takes this dish from simply vegetarian to a full meal.

Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Bow Tie Pasta: Rich in carbohydrates, provides energy.
• Frozen Peas: Excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and protein.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, good for heart health.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness; source of calcium and fat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides umami; rich in protein and calcium.
• Cooked Ham: High in protein; adds savory flavor.

Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz bow tie pasta
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz cooked ham, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make this Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the farfalle until al dente, according to package directions. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the frozen peas to the pot. Drain the cooked pasta and peas, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the small-diced onion and cook until it turns transparent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the garlic, minced, to the frying pan and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, grating it directly into the pot and ensuring it melts into the so IMPORTANT/NECESSARY SAUCE, making it unbelievably rich and creamy.

6. Combine the diced cooked ham with the other ingredients in the skillet and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.

7. Put the drained pasta and peas in the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

8. Permit the sauce to finish cooking in the pasta for another 2-3 minutes, if necessary; stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

9. Take it off the heat and dust it with freshly chopped parsley.

10. Serve right away, adding more Parmesan cheese for garnish only if you want to.

Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Frying pan
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Chef’s knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Grater

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?You can use different shapes of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, as a substitute if you prefer.
• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?Without a doubt, fresh peas are excellent. Just be certain to blanch them prior to adding.
• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?If you desire a lighter choice, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and some melted butter.
• Can I use a different cheese?This recipe is best with Parmesan, but you might also try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep uneaten food in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 72 hours.
• Can I make this dish vegetarian?Absolutely! Just leave out the ham and think about incorporating some mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.

Ham Peas Bow Tie Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

– Pasta in the shape of a bow tie: Substitute with penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
Use canola oil or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
– Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, or use coconut milk.
– Parmesan cheese: Use Romano cheese or Pecorino Romano. This is a decent option but if you want to use a cheese with an even more similar flavor profile to Parmigiano-Reggiano, try using Grana Padano. Alternatively, use a cow’s milk cheese that has been aged for at least a year. Extra-aged Gouda is a great option.
– Cooked ham: Substitute with cooked turkey or chicken breast.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Pasta Before cooking the bow tie pasta, lightly toast it in a dry skillet until it turns a golden color. This adds a nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

2. Use Fresh Peas If possible, use fresh peas instead of frozen ones. This will give the dish a brighter flavor and better texture. If you use fresh peas, add them to the boiling water only 1 minute before the pasta is done.

3. Enhanced Cream Flavor Infuse the heavy cream with flavor by adding a bay leaf and a pinch of nutmeg while it’s simmering. Remove the bay leaf before adding the cream to the pasta.

4. Cheese Finishing Touch Use a microplane grater for the Parmesan cheese to ensure it melts uniformly into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

5. Add a Zesty Twist Just before serving, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dish. This will brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the cream and cheese.