Lighter Creamy Pasta with Ham, Peas, and Mushrooms

Light and Creamy Pasta with Ham, Peas, and Mushrooms

Description

If you’ve ever reminisced about that delicious pasta dish you once enjoyed at The Olive Garden, which has since disappeared from their menu, this recipe will bring back those fond memories with a lighter twist. This light and creamy pasta with ham, peas, and mushrooms is a delightful re-creation that’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. light butter
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 pint half-and-half cream
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups cubed ham steaks
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3-4 cups frozen peas
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Saute Pan
   Begin by placing 1 tablespoon of light butter in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly bubbly, then add the minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about a minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to lightly brown.

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2. Cook the Mushrooms
   Pour in 1 cup of white wine, then immediately add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté the mushrooms for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and have absorbed some of the wine.

3. Boil Pasta Water and Add Ingredients
   While the mushrooms are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Add the cubed ham steaks and frozen peas to the sauté pan. Pour in the remaining 1 cup of white wine. Continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the ham to warm through and the peas to cook.

4. Cook the Pasta
   Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

5. Make the Sauce
   Return to the sauté pan and add 3/4 pint of half-and-half cream. Reduce the heat to low-medium to prevent the cream from bubbling. Allow the cream to heat through, stirring occasionally.

6. Thicken the Sauce
   Gradually add the cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time, to the cream mixture while stirring. The sauce will begin to thicken over the next 3 to 4 minutes. Keep stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

7. Season and Serve
   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Drain the pasta and place it in serving bowls. Pour the creamy ham and mushroom sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal with a light salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner. 🌟🍽️

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 1154
• Fat: 46.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 26.1 g
• Cholesterol: 184.6 mg
• Sodium: 2136.3 mg
• Carbohydrates: 91.8 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 11.5 g
• Protein: 52.4 g

Preparation and Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This recipe offers a comforting blend of flavors with a lightened approach, making it an excellent choice for a quick and delicious meal any night of the week. 🍝✨