Creamy Alfredo with Ham and Peas
This easy weeknight dinner comes together in a pinch. It's a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal. Just add a bag of frozen peas and a quick-and-easy homemade alfredo sauce you can make in minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound short pasta farfalle, penne, etc.
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 bag of frozen peas
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
- 1 (8 oz) brick of cream cheese cut into large cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- Sprinkle of black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
Instructions
- Place a large pot of water on the stovetop to boil. Add a hefty pinch of salt. Boil the pasta according to the lowest time listed on the package so the noodles remain firm. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water just before you strain the pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce to save time. Place the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it has melted, add the cream cheese. Stir the cream cheese while it melts. When it is almost smooth, pour in the milk and whisk the sauce together.
- Season the sauce with the garlic salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in just half of the parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked ham and let it warm through for 1 - 2 minutes. Add the pasta and stir to coat. Add the peas and let them warm through for a minute. If the pasta begins to absorb too much of the Alfredo sauce, you can loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.