Cheese Fettuccine With Peas And Ham
Creamy cheese fettuccine with ham and peas offers rich flavors and velvety textures, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot.
- In a frying pan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, Camembert, Blue cheese, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the pan.
- Cook until the cheeses have almost completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Add the julienne-cut ham to the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir well and keep warm.
- Cook the fettucine in the boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Combine the cooked fettucine with the cheese and ham sauce.
- Add the peas and toss to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute the cheeses; for example, use mozzarella instead of Swiss or add a bit of goat cheese for tang. If you're short on time, frozen peas work well and can be added directly to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheese Fettuccine with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese. For a twist, try serving it alongside Pork Cutlets Italiano for a hearty Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Fettuccine With Peas And Ham contains roughly 2032 calories, with 45g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 199g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (91% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1854mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding more vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You might also consider incorporating some grilled zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
What type of pasta can I use if I don't have fettuccine?
If you don't have fettuccine, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, as different shapes may require varying amounts of time to cook al dente.
How can I make it spicier?
To add some heat to this dish, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce while it cooks. Alternatively, you can serve it with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick. This can enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).