Children will love this tasty pasta, which is easy to prepare for a mid-week meal.
Makes approximately 4 servings
Preparation time is approximately 5 minutes
Cooking time is approximately 25-30 minutes
Photo credit @jemimawilchphotography
Ingredients
400g pasta (any shape)
300g frozen peas/petit pois
2 heaped tablespoons of full fat crème fraiche
1 lemon
Olive or sunflower oil
6 slices of bacon or pancetta chopped into pieces (optional)
40g grated parmesan, plus extra for serving
Salt & pepper
How to make Pea & Ham Creamy Pasta
1. In a pan of boiling, slightly salted, water add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions (this usually takes about 12 minutes).
2. Heat up a large frying pan on a medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
3. Chop the bacon/pancetta, if using, and add to the frying pan to brown then add the frozen peas to the pan.
4. Once the peas have defrosted add the crème fraiche and heat through.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Squeeze the lemon juice into the pan and add the grated parmesan.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, remove a small cup full of the cooking water and drain the pasta in a colander.
8. Add the pasta straight into the frying pan along with some of the cooking liquid which will stop the sauce from becoming too thick.
Serve immediately with a green salad and extra grated parmesan to taste.
HINTS & TIPS
This dish can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon/pancetta, just add the peas directly into the frying pan along with some oil.
Pre-cooked ham or chicken can also be used in place of the bacon/pancetta, cut into strips and add to the sauce with the creme fraiche.
Double cream can be used in place of creme fraiche although the sauce may be slightly more.
Although you can use any pasta, we recommend wholemeal because it contains good fibre.
Please click HERE to see Cooking Good’s statement on allergens and substitutions within recipes.
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