Creamy Fusilli with Ham and Peas

Creamy Fusilli with Ham and Peas Recipe

Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

A classic Italian pasta dish that brings together creamy textures, savory ham, and the sweet freshness of peas. This creamy fusilli with ham and peas is a simple yet delicious meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting pasta that combines rich creaminess with the savory flavors of prosciutto and sweet peas, all enveloped in the warmth of freshly cooked fusilli. Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta:
   Begin by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Lightly salt the water to season the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. Prepare the ham and onion:
   While the pasta is cooking, take the cooked ham and cut it into thin slices, then dice them into small cubes, approximately 1 cm in size. Set the ham aside. Next, finely chop the golden onion. In a separate pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté it for a few minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.

3. Cooking the sauce:
   Once the onion is softened, add a ladle of the pasta cooking water into the pan to help create a base for the sauce. Let it cook for about 15 minutes on high heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. After this, add the diced ham to the pan, stirring it in to incorporate.

4. Add the peas:
   Add the peas to the pan and stir everything together. If you’re using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand, just toss them into the pan and cook for a few minutes until they’re heated through.

5. Combine with cream:
   Pour the fresh liquid cream into the pan with the ham, peas, and onions. Stir well, allowing the cream to coat all the ingredients and create a rich, smooth sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.

6. Finish the dish:
   By now, your fusilli should be perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the cooking water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the fusilli is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve:
   Once everything is well mixed, serve the creamy fusilli with ham and peas hot, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Tips and Variations:

• Add herbs: To enhance the flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the dish just before serving.
• Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the ham and substitute with more vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty flavor.
• Cheese: For extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the top of the pasta before serving.
• Spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.

This creamy fusilli with ham and peas is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. Enjoy!