Penne with Smoked Ham, Peas, & Mint

By garciamoss

Fresh mint, a classic pairing with peas, brightens this creamy pasta dish that is a complete dinner. Serve with a side salad and some good rolls.

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, cut crosswise into 1-inch strips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups fresh green peas, or thawed frozen peas
• 1/2 pound dried mini penne
• 2 1/2 ounce feta, crumbled, about 1/2 cup
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint

Details

Adapted from finecooking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until browned, about 3 minutes. Add the ham and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and nutmeg and bring to a boil. Add the peas, turn the heat down to medium, and simmer, stirring often, until the peas are cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.

Toss with the sauce, half of the cheese, and half of the mint, adding some of the reserved pasta water, if needed, to make a creamy sauce. Divide among 4 plates and top with the remaining cheese and mint.