If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s cozy, quick, and unbelievably comforting, you have to try this One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe. It’s everything you want on a weeknight—a luscious, creamy pasta studded with tender ham and sweet bursts of peas, all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup. The magic happens as the flavors meld perfectly and the sauce turns silky-smooth thanks to a blend of garlic, cheese, and broth. Whether you’re feeding the family or craving a hearty solo meal, this dish feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully, each adding its own touch of flavor, texture, and color that make this one pot meal so irresistible. From the savory ham to the creamy cheeses and bright green peas, every item is essential for creating that perfect balance.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the ham and garlic to bring out deep flavors.
- 1.5 cups diced ham: Provides a smoky, salty punch—feel free to add more if you like it meaty.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Introduces aromatic depth that elevates the whole dish.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates the thickening base for the creamy sauce through a roux.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Gives a mild herbal accent and a splash of green color.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The liquid that cooks the pasta and builds a flavorful sauce; add extra if needed.
- 1 (12-oz) box uncooked pasta: Choose long noodles like linguine or short shapes like shells—the starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce.
- 1.5 cups frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to every forkful.
- 1 (5-oz) package Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs: Brings lovely creaminess and garlic-herb flavor (or substitute with cream cheese plus extra seasoning).
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that perfectly rounds out the sauce.
How to Make One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Ham and Garlic
Begin by melting butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook it for about 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to brown and release its savory aroma. Then toss in the minced garlic, stirring just 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick sauté is what builds the base for all the layers of flavor in the dish.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Broth Base
Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle in the flour and dried parsley. Stir continuously for about a minute, allowing the flour to cook but not brown—this step prevents any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth a little at a time, making sure there are no lumps. Let the mixture come to a boil once, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce starts to thicken and get luscious.
Step 3: Cook Pasta with Peas
Now add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth. Break the noodles in half if needed to fit. Simmer the pasta over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is nearly tender—about 8-10 minutes depending on the shape. When the pasta is almost done, stir in the frozen peas and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the peas are heated through.
Step 4: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Boursin cheese (or your cream cheese mixture) along with the grated Parmesan. This final step transforms the dish into a silky, creamy delight. The cheese melts right into the sauce, creating a perfect coating for every pasta strand.
How to Serve One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dish from delicious to stunning, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or some lemon zest on top for pops of color and brightness. For a little heat, red pepper flakes are a fantastic addition that adds a hint of spice without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to keep things fresh and balanced. A crusty bread or garlic toast is also great for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal or plate it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs for an elegant twist. For a fun variation, you can top it with toasted breadcrumbs or a drizzle of good olive oil to add some texture and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Keep in mind the texture of the peas and pasta might soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still be wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through to maintain that perfect silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! If Boursin isn’t available, cream cheese works well as a substitute—just add a bit of garlic powder and herbs to mimic those flavors. Goat cheese or ricotta could also be interesting alternatives but might change the texture slightly.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Long thin shapes like linguine or spaghetti, as well as short shapes like shells or penne, all work great. The key is to make sure the pasta fits comfortably in your skillet and cooks evenly in the broth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can if you swap the ham for a plant-based substitute or extra veggies like mushrooms and roasted bell peppers. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce gets too thick while cooking, just add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it. Stir well, and it will smooth out in no time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers, though the pasta may soften a bit after thawing. For best texture, enjoy this One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe fresh or within a month of freezing.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe is a keeper that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its mix of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory ham makes it both simple and satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough for those nights when you want a hearty meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try, and soon it might just be your go-to weeknight wonder!
Print
One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender ham, sweet peas, and al dente pasta in a luscious garlic and herb sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that requires minimal cleanup. The sauce is enriched with Boursin cheese and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy finish, making this recipe both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 cups diced ham (or more if you like)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 6 cups chicken broth (plus extra as needed)
- 1 (12-oz) box uncooked pasta (linguine or small shells)
- 1.5 cups frozen peas
- 1 (5-oz) package Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs (or 4 oz cream cheese plus extra seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté ham and garlic: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add diced ham and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the roux and broth base: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle flour and dried parsley over the ham mixture and stir constantly for one minute to cook out the flour. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook pasta and peas: Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is fully submerged—break pasta in half if necessary to fit. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost cooked through.
- Finish cooking pasta and peas: Stir in frozen peas and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until pasta is tender and peas are heated through, and the sauce has thickened and become creamy. Remove from heat.
- Add cheeses and serve: Stir in the Boursin cheese (or cream cheese with seasoning) and grated Parmesan until melted and evenly distributed. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to taste.
Notes
- Note 1: Feel free to increase ham quantity for a meatier dish.
- Note 2: If sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it.
- Note 3: Stirring flour with fat before adding broth creates a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Note 4: Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking to the skillet.
