If you're on the hunt for a creamy, comforting dish that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, look no further than Ham and Peas Pasta Alfredo! This delightful Italian-inspired recipe combines tender fettuccine, savory diced ham, and vibrant green peas, all enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that your family and friends will rave about. So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a plateful of creamy goodness that’s sure to satisfy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ham and peas. Dice the ham into small, uniform cubes if not already pre-diced.
- When the pasta is nearly done, add the frozen peas to the boiling water and cook for the final 2-3 minutes until the peas are bright green and heated through.
- Drain the pasta and peas in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Return the pasta and peas to the same pot and add the diced ham, Alfredo sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gently toss all ingredients together over low heat until the ham is warmed and the sauce coats the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute seasonings.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; it’s the key to flavorful pasta. Cook the fettuccine until al dente for the best texture.
- Ham Choices: Use leftover holiday ham or a good-quality deli ham for the best flavor. Dice it into uniform pieces for even heating and distribution.
- Peas Perfection: Frozen peas are a great time-saver and retain their bright color and sweetness. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cheesy Finish: For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top before serving. You can also add a dash of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 432kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
