Ham and Fresh Pea Pasta with Lemon
Ingredients
- 12 ouncespasta
- 6 ouncesham
- 1½ cupsfrozen peas
- ·lemon
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- ½ cupchicken or vegetable broth
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ½ cupparmesan cheese
Prep
- 01
Mince 3 cloves garlic.
- 02
Cut 6 ounces ham into bite-sized cubes or thin strips.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 03
Add the ham to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned at the edges.
- 04
Stir in the frozen peas and broth. Simmer for 3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- 05
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Zest the lemon into the pan, then juice half of it over the pasta. Toss everything together, adding pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the noodles loosely (you may not need all of it).
- 06
Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Divide into bowls and top each with a generous handful of parmesan cheese.
Spice Tips
For subtle warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. A grind of fresh black pepper and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish naturally without heat.
Swap frozen peas for fresh spring peas if in season. For extra brightness, finish with a torn handful of fresh mint or basil after plating.