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Epicurious

Pasta With 15-Minute Ham, Pea, and Cream Sauce

Pasta with 15minute ham pea and cream sauce in a blue skillet.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Mindy Fox

Grated lemon zest gives this creamy classic a hit of bright flavor and a little added flair.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Yield

    4–6 servings

Ingredients

1

pound farfalle or other short pasta

Kosher salt

3

tablespoons olive oil

1

cup thinly sliced shallots (about 2 large)

4

ounces thick-cut ham (about 4 slices), cut into thin strips

1

cup frozen or fresh shelled peas

1

cup heavy cream

1

tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)

2

tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook farfalle in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain, reserving 2 Tbsp. pasta cooking liquid.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add shallots and 1/2 tsp. salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes (do not brown). Add ham, peas, and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest, 2 Tbsp. parsley, and 1/2 tsp. pepper.

    Step 3

    Return pasta to pot. Toss with sauce and reserved pasta cooking liquid; season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates, then top with parsley and Parmesan and season with more pepper.

Explore Bon AppétitPastaFarfallePasta & NoodlesItalian AmericanAmericanHamMeatPeaVegetableMainDinnerNut-FreeQuick30 Minutes or LessSimmerEpicurious