Creamy Ham & Pea Penne Bake
Delight your taste buds with this Creamy Ham & Pea Penne Bake, inspired by a charming Italian restaurant dish! This rich and comforting pasta is not only a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham, but it also boasts a harmony of flavors with fresh peas and a velvety cheese sauce. The crispy ham pieces add an addictive crunch reminiscent of pancetta, while the creamy sauce envelops the pasta, creating a dish that is satisfying yet easy to prepare. This recipe is highly versatile, inviting you to experiment with vegetables like sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for added color and nutrition. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this delightful pasta bake will earn its spot in your regular meal rotation!
8
Servings
330
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
4 cups (uncooked)
Frozen peas
1 cup (petite)
Cooked ham
1 1/2 cups (chopped small)
Milk
2 cups
Flour
4 tablespoons
Butter
1 tablespoon
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves
5-6 (chopped)
Cream cheese
8 ounces
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
Fresh pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente.
2
2. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot with the pasta, allowing them to heat through.
3
3. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas together. Transfer them to a large serving dish.
4
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until well combined. Alternatively, you can shake them together in a jar until smooth.
5
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy. Once done, transfer the ham to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6
6. In a saucepan, melt the butter (or use a bit more olive oil) over medium-low heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
7
7. Gradually whisk in the milk and flour mixture into the saucepan, then add the cream cheese. Continue whisking until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
8
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until thoroughly incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and fresh pepper to taste.
9
9. Add the crispy ham and any additional vegetables to the large dish with pasta and peas, tossing gently to combine.
10
10. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture and gently mix, adding reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a nice creamy consistency.
11
11. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper. Pair it with a simple tossed salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Creamy Ham & Pea Penne Bake, a rich and comforting pasta inspired by Italian cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe provides 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 330 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 17g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11g of fat.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of uncooked penne pasta.
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes, this dish is a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked ham.
What kind of peas are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of frozen petite peas.
How should the ham be prepared?
The ham should be chopped small and cooked in olive oil until it becomes crispy.
When do I add the peas to the pasta?
Add the frozen peas to the boiling water during the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1 cup of pasta water allows you to adjust the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency later.
How do I mix the flour and milk for the sauce?
You can whisk them together in a bowl or shake them in a jar until the mixture is smooth.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 5-6 chopped garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes fragrant.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can experiment with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition.
What type of oil is used for crisping the ham?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is used to cook the ham.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter for the sauce base.
How much flour is used for the thickening agent?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of flour.
What is the total milk requirement?
You will need 2 cups of milk.
How do I season the dish?
Season with 1-2 teaspoons of salt and fresh pepper to taste.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
It pairs perfectly with a simple tossed salad and garlic bread.
Is the ham crispy in this recipe?
Yes, the ham is cooked until crispy to add a crunch reminiscent of pancetta.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the milk and flour mixture gradually into the saucepan and continue whisking until the cream cheese is completely melted.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is perfect for regular meal rotations.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for the sauce?
Yes, the instructions mention you can use a bit more olive oil as an alternative to butter.
What is the cooking texture for the penne?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best quality, serve the dish immediately after mixing with the sauce.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Yes, its versatility and yield make it an excellent choice for potlucks.