Pasta With Peas And Ham
Creamy pasta with peas and ham offers a comforting blend of flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the spaghetti.
- Add milk and most of the grated Cheddar cheese to the hot pasta and stir until the cheese melts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the pasta until well coated.
- Sprinkle individual servings with the remaining cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using prosciutto instead of ham, or adding some garlic for extra depth. If you're short on time, pre-cooked spaghetti can be used. To enhance the dish, include a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. For a creamy texture, you can substitute the milk with heavy cream or incorporate some cream cheese into the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a light tomato sauce for added flavor. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with Pork Chops Parmesan, which complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help bring back creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Peas And Ham contains roughly 516 calories, with 14g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2185mg per serving (95% 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 use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! Just blanch them briefly before adding to the pasta to retain their vibrant color and crunch. Fresh peas will give a delightful texture and flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella would both work well in this recipe. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while mozzarella will provide a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Experiment with your favorite cheeses for a unique twist!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture. You could also incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the dish while keeping it vegetarian.
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).