How to Make the Perfect Ham Pea Farfalle
Italian · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This Ham Pea Farfalle is a cheerful and hearty pasta dish that lands on the table in just 15 minutes. Savory diced ham and sweet green peas tossed with bow-tie pasta in a light butter sauce make this the perfect quick weeknight dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Ham Pea Farfalle recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 460 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 1.5 cups diced cooked ham
- 1.5 cups frozen peas
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook farfalle according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add frozen peas to the boiling water in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve half a cup of pasta water then drain.
Step 2: Saute the Ham
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced ham and cook stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned and caramelized on the edges. Add garlic and cook 30 more seconds.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the drained farfalle and peas to the skillet with the ham. Toss everything together over medium heat adding splashes of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Season with black pepper.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in half the parmesan, letting it melt into the pasta. Divide among bowls and top with remaining parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- diced cooked ham → crispy pancetta or cooked bacon adds a smokier richer flavor
- parmesan cheese → pecorino romano or gruyere melt beautifully into the pasta sauce
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the peas which turns them from bright green to dull and mushy
- Skipping the pasta water which is essential for creating a silky coating sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 460 calories, 22g protein, 58g carbs, 15g fat, 5g fiber.
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