Ham and Pea Campanelle Pasta

This Ham and Pea Campanelle combines smokey ham, sweet peas and pasta in a lightly seasoned super creamy cheese sauce.  Not only is this made in one pot but it is real 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.

Well 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 where 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 is campanelle pasta?

It is a small pasta that is shaped like a bellflower or a cone with a ruffled edge.   I love the way the cheese sauce makes it’s 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 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.

Helpful tips for making Ham and Pea Campanelle Pasta

• 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 bow tie, 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.

Other pasta recipes you will love!

• Easy Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Taco Rotini Pasta
• Easy Pasta Primavera
• Italian Fried Pasta

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

Ham and Pea Campanelle

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

A family friendly one pot pasta combining campanelle, ham and peas in a rich lightly seasoned creamy cheese sauce.

• Author: Beth Pierce
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: main meal pasta
• Method: stove top
• Cuisine: American

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups cooked chopped ham (approximately 10 ounces)
• 2 large cloves garlic minced
• 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 ounces Campanelle pasta (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• 3/4 cup Provel ropes (see notes below)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in large stockpot over medium heat. Add ham and cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn heat to low and add garlic and cook for additional 1 minute. Add chicken broth, cumin, cayenne pepper and pasta. Bring to a low boil. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
2. Add peas and cream; cover and cook for additional 2-3 minutes or until campanelle is tender. Remove from heat. Slowly add Parmesan while stirring. Add provel cheese and cover for 5 minutes. Stir to combine. Sauce thickens as it cools.

Notes

If Provel is not available you can substitute shredded Provolone, Gouda or white American. The grocery deli can slice you off a small chunk of white American or you can even add chopped slices.

Keywords: one pot pasta meals, campanelle pasta, easy pasta recipes, what is campanelle pasta, one pot campanelle pasta, pasta with ham and peas

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