Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta

Soft pasta shells in a light cream and cheese sauce with sweet peas and ham, a quick family favourite.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 8 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 23 minutes
Vegetarian
❌
Nuts
❌
Serves
4 people
Difficulty
Very Easy

Ingredients

  • 350g dried pasta shells
  • 200g frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 250ml double cream
  • 100ml chicken stock
  • 200g thick-cut cooked ham, diced
  • 75g mature Cheddar, grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the packet instructions, adding the peas for the final 3 minutes. Reserve a mugful of cooking water, then drain.

  2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes until soft, adding the garlic for the final minute.

  3. Pour in the cream and stock and simmer for 3 minutes.

  4. Stir in the ham and Cheddar until melted.

  5. Add the pasta and peas, tossing with a splash of cooking water to loosen. Season and serve.