Ham and Pea Campanelle Pasta

This Ham and Pea Campanelle combines smoky ham, sweet peas, and pasta in a lightly seasoned super creamy cheese sauce.  Not only is this made in one pot but it is really quick to come together and tastes delicious. I love to serve it with Summer Fruit Salad, Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad, or a simple garden salad.

Spring and summer are right around the corner and with it comes lots of activities.  So many fun things to do and so little time.  There are kids’ baseball and soccer games.  It is time for some much-needed exercise like walking, biking, and hiking.  The kids need to get off their electronic devices and rediscover all that nature has to offer.  I need to remind them that we have a trampoline, basketball net, bikes, and scooters.  All of this is so much fun but it means we need to have quicker easier meal preparation.  That is where one pot suppers become so important. This One Pot Cheesy Ham and Pea Campanelle is perfect for those evenings when enjoying the fresh air and sunshine takes precedence. My family really enjoys this recipe and I like the fact that I can get it on the table fairly quickly.

What are campanelle noodles?

It is a small pasta that is shaped like a bellflower or a cone with petal-like edges that are great for capturing sauce.   I love the way the cheese sauce makes its way into the noodle and gets lodged there for a super yummy pasta.  You can find campanelle pasta at most finer grocery stores.  If in doubt call ahead to make sure they have it in stock.

How do you make Ham and Pea Campanelle Pasta?

Start by adding a little olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.  Next, add the chopped ham and cook for a couple of minutes stirring frequently.  Now lower the heat and add the minced garlic cooking for 1 minute stirring constantly. Then add the chicken broth, cumin, ground cayenne pepper, and pasta.  Push the pasta down into the liquid.  If necessary you can add a little more chicken broth.

Bring to a low boil. Now cover and simmer on low for about 15 minutes.  Then add the frozen peas and cream and cover and cook for additional 2-3 minutes or until the pasta is tender.  Next, remove the pot from the heat and add the Parmesan and Provel Cheese.  Now cover for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.  Finally, stir to combine.  The sauce will thicken more upon cooling.

Recipe notes and helpful tips

• If you don’t like peas you can substitute frozen broccoli or chopped fresh broccoli added a few minutes before the cream.
• Provel is a regional cheese so good substitutions would be Provolone, Gouda, or white American if you are looking for a budget-savvy choice.
• You can use any kind of small pasta like bowtie, elbow macaroni, or penne however the creamy cheese sauce really gets inside the campanelle making this a great comfort pasta meal.
• In step 1 add about 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth.  Push the pasta down into the broth so it cooks when it simmers.  You can add up to another 1/2 cup of broth if need be to cover it.

More pasta dishes to try!

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This post was originally published on April 4, 2017, and was republished on April 9, 2020, with new content.

 

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