Best 6 Creamy Lemon Pasta With Peas And Optional Ham Recipes

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Welcome to the comprehensive guide for preparing a delightful and flavorful "Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas and Optional Ham". This delectable dish combines the tangy freshness of lemon, the tender sweetness of peas, and the rich creaminess of a velvety sauce, all perfectly complemented by the savory notes of ham (if desired). Whether you are a seasoned home chef or a culinary novice, this step-by-step guide will provide you with all the essential information, tips, and tricks you need to create a restaurant-quality pasta dish right in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your cooking utensils, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!

Let's cook with our recipes!

VEGAN CREAMY LEMON PASTA WITH PEAS



Vegan Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas image

Luxuriously creamy pasta with a lemony twist and a simple list of ingredients. Love how quickly this velvety pasta comes together! Just add a bit of ham for the carnivores.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup raw cashews (can substitute 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream)
8 ounces pasta (I like farfalle, penne, or shells for this pasta)
1 cup of the water you cook the pasta in
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion (diced small (about 1 cup))
3 medium cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine
Zest and juice from one medium lemon (about 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley (minced)
1/4 cup cooked cubed ham (per serving, warmed)

Steps:

  • If using cashews, place them in bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for at least 15 minutes.
  • While the cashews soak, cook the pasta and prep the sauce. Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain, being sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Set a large heavy skillet over low heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the onions. Sweat the onions on low heat (they should barely sizzle) until tender but not browned, 10-12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for another minute.
  • Stir in the wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, drain the soaked cashews. Blend in a high-speed blender with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Pour into the skillet along with half of the pasta water. (If you're using heavy whipping cream instead of cashews, add that now). Stir until warmed through and bubbly.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta and the peas. Stir gently until the pasta is coated. Add additional pasta water as needed to make sure the sauce coats all of the pasta.
  • Taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • Transfer to serving bowl and top with parsley.
  • Divide the pasta and stir ham into the carnivores' portions, or you can just top their pasta with the ham.

CREAMY LEMON PASTA WITH PEAS AND OPTIONAL HAM



Creamy Lemon Pasta with Peas and Optional Ham image

This easy pasta dish goes from stove to table in about 25 minutes. The creamy, garlicky lemon sauce coats every little piece of perfectly al dente pasta, spring peas, and optional diced ham for the carnivores.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 pound or 8 ounces small pasta like orecchiette, shells, or mini penne
3/4 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium cloves garlic (finely chopped (about 2 teaspoons))
Pinch - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (depending on taste)
1 large lemon (zested and juiced (approx. 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice))
1 cup pasta water
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
Small handful of parsley (chopped (about 1/4 cup chopped))
If adding ham
1/4 cup chopped (cooked ham per serving)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook about one minute less than package directions state until al dente. When one minute is left in the cooking time, add the frozen peas.
  • While the pasta is boiling, heat a large deep skillet over low heat and add the olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for about five minutes until garlic is tender.
  • To the garlic, add 1 cup of the water the pasta is boiling in, along with the lemon juice and the heavy cream. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens just a bit, about 5 minutes. Stir in the the lemon zest and 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and add additional salt if necessary (if the sauce tastes too lemony, add a little more salt until the tartness mellows.)
  • If adding ham, place an additional skillet on the stove and heat the diced ham over low heat, stirring frequently
  • Drain the pasta and peas and and add it to the main skillet with the sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and gently toss the pasta with the sauce until the pasta soaks in some of the sauce, about two minutes.
  • Scoop the carnivorous portion(s) into the saucepan with the ham and mix gently.
  • Top with the parsley and remaining Parmesan cheese, and serve.

PASTA WITH 15-MINUTE HAM, PEA, AND CREAM SAUCE



Pasta with 15-Minute Ham, Pea, and Cream Sauce image

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

Provided by Mindy Fox

Categories     Milk/Cream     Pasta     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Ham     Pea     Small Plates

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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)

Steps:

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

CREAMY PENNE PASTA WITH HAM AND PEAS



Creamy Penne Pasta With Ham and Peas image

I tried to copy a wonderful dish I had at a small local Italian restaurant and this one turned out WONDERFUL (for a lot less money too!) The flavors are excellent and it's a totally new way to use up leftover ham. The crispy ham reminds me of pancetta. This is a very forgiving recipe and many different vegetables can be added to your liking, try sauteed zucchini with the peas, or mushrooms, broccoli, etc.

Provided by Aurora

Categories     Ham

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup peas, frozen petite
1 1/2 cups ham, chopped small
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
5 -6 garlic cloves, chopped (or more!)
8 ounces cream cheese, lite is wonderful in this
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 -2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
fresh pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Bring large pot of water to boil and add pasta, cooking to al dente.
  • Add peas last 2-3 minutes to pasta.
  • Scoop out 1 cup pasta water, then drain, and place in a large serving dish.
  • Whisk flour into milk (or shake together in a jar) till mixed well.
  • In skillet, pour olive oil in and add ham, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until ham is crispy. Remove to paper towel to drain.
  • In sauce pan, melt butter (or use more olive oil) and saute garlic over medium low for about 2-3 minutes (if you love garlic, feel free to add more!).
  • Whisk in milk/flour mixture and add chipped cream cheese, whisking till melted into sauce smoothly. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk till incorporated.
  • In large dish with pasta and peas, toss in crispy ham, and any other vegetables you want (optional).
  • Pour sauce over pasta and mix, pouring in pasta water till nice and creamy.
  • Top with more parmesan and fresh ground pepper.
  • serve immediately with tossed salad and garlic bread. YUM!

LIGHT AND CREAMY PASTA WITH HAM, PEAS, AND MUSHROOM



Light and Creamy Pasta with Ham, Peas, and Mushroom image

I ate a dish at The Olive Garden Restaurant several years ago that I loved. They have since removed it from their menu, so this is my "light" re-creation of it!

Provided by K Conway2

Categories     European

Time 35m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (7 ounce) package cheese tortellini (or larger)
1 (8 ounce) package deli cut ham steaks, cubed (or larger)
8 ounces frozen peas, partially thawed
8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
2 cups white wine (I use Pinot Grigio)
3/4 pint half-and-half cream (I use fat free)
2 cloves garlic (I use a garlic press to mince them)
3 tablespoons light butter (I use I Can't Believe it's Not Butter, Light)
3 -4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Put 3 tbsp. of light butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. After a minute, put in minced garlic cloves
  • Add 1 cup of white wine then add all of the mushrooms and saute for 3-4 minutes
  • Start to boil the water for the pasta. Add cubed ham and peas to the saute pan then add the remaining 1 cup of white wine and saute for 3-4 minutes
  • Put your pasta in the boiling water. To the saute pan, add 3/4 pint of half & half, then lower the temperature to low-medium heat (so that it doesn't bubble)
  • After 2-3 minutes, add corn starch one tbsp. at a time and stir-the sauce will slowly thicken over 3 to 4 minutes
  • Salt and pepper to taste, serve over the pasta, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, enjoy!

CREAMY PASTA WITH HAM & PEAS



Creamy Pasta with Ham & Peas image

Here's a pasta dish as creamy and cheesy as it is easy! It's served with a luscious sauce made with cream cheese, peas and chopped ham.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings, about 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed
1 tsp. zest and 1 Tbsp. juice from 1 lemon
1 pkg. (7.5 oz.) OSCAR MAYER CARVING BOARD Slow Cooked Ham, chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
  • Meanwhile, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Stir in onions; cook 4 min. or until crisp-tender, stirring frequently and adding garlic for the last minute. Add broth and cream cheese; cook 3 min. or until cream cheese is melted, and sauce is well blended and heated through, stirring frequently. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
  • Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add ham, peas and sauce; mix lightly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Sodium 620 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, Protein 15 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, good quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful ham (if using) will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but err on the side of undercooking it slightly. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold the sauce as well.
  • Reserve some of the pasta cooking water: The starchy pasta water can be used to thicken the sauce and make it more creamy.
  • Add the peas at the end of cooking: This will prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
  • Serve the pasta immediately: This is when it will be at its best, with a creamy, flavorful sauce and al dente pasta.

Conclusion:

This creamy lemon pasta with peas and optional ham is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to please the whole family. It's packed with flavor from the lemon, Parmesan cheese, and ham (if using), and the peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover ham. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy pasta dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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