• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Leftovers
  • Christmas
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Desserts
  • Subscribe

Bake It With Love

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Leftovers
  • Christmas
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Desserts
  • Subscribe
  • Join Us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Leftovers
    • Christmas
    • About
    • Recipes
      • Dinners
      • Desserts
    • Subscribe
  • Join Us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Last Updated: Oct 19, 2023 by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Ham and Pea Pasta

    Share This Recipe!

    • Share
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image with text of ham and pea pasta.

    This ham and pea pasta combines tender chunks of ham with fettuccine and peas in a rich, creamy white sauce that the whole family loves! It's a quick and easy pasta dinner to make, either on the stovetop or in your crock pot! Plus, it is perfect for using up leftover ham!

    Leftover Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe

    I can never resist getting a way-more-than-enough-sized ham to cook for a weekend dinner or holiday meal! Of course, this means that I get to enjoy plenty of delicious leftover ham recipes!

    Tasty ham and pea pasta is a classic combination that has been enjoyed in various forms across cultures. Its roots can be traced back to rustic European kitchens where simple ingredients were transformed into hearty meals.

    Square image of ham and pea pasta.
    Deliciously creamy ham and pea pasta is a super easy family dinner, whether cooked on the stovetop or in your crock pot!
    Jump to:
    • Leftover Ham and Pea Pasta Recipe
    • 🥘 Ham and Pea Pasta Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutions
    • 🔪 How To Make Ham and Pea Pasta
    • 🍽️ What To Serve With Ham and Pea Pasta
    • 🙂 😀 Testimonials
    • 💭 Tips & Notes
    • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
    • ❓ What Type Of Pasta Is Best For Ham and Pea Pasta?
    • ❓ Can I Substitute The Milk Or Heavy Cream?
    • ❓ Can I Use Canned Peas?
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews

    Looking for more great recipe ideas to use up your leftover ham? Try my deluxe leftover ham casserole with broccoli and cheese and my creamy ham chowder!

    🥘 Ham and Pea Pasta Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutions

    • Fettuccine - 16 ounces of uncooked fettuccine. Of course, any pasta variety will work!
    • Butter - 2 tablespoons of butter will add richness to the sauce.
    • Garlic - 1 tablespoon (or 3 cloves) of finely minced or crushed garlic.
    • Milk - 2 cups of milk. I used whole milk, but you can use your preferred kind.
    • Heavy Cream - 1 cup of heavy cream to make the sauce as creamy as possible.
    • Cream Cheese - 4 ounces of cream cheese, cubed.
    • Swiss Cheese - 1 cup of freshly grated Swiss cheese. I recommend using Gruyere because it has an amazing flavor and melts perfectly.
    • Cheddar - 1 cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
    • Salt & Pepper - ½ teaspoon of both salt and pepper, to taste.
    • Ham - 1 cup of diced or cubed ham. You can buy this from the store or use leftover ham!
    • Peas - 2 cups of peas. You can use a 10-ounce bag of frozen peas, but let the peas thaw first.
    • Parsley (optional for garnish) - 2 tablespoons of parsley.

    Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free!

    *Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

    🔪 How To Make Ham and Pea Pasta

    This simple recipe is easy to prepare whether you want to do the stovetop method or use your slow cooker! You will need a saucepan, a pot to boil the pasta, a whisk, and your measuring utensils.

    This recipe will make a hearty 8-10 servings!

    Stovetop Ham And Pea Pasta

    Step 1: Prepare the pasta. Cook 16 ounces (454 grams) of fettuccine pasta according to boxed directions; typically, on the lower end of the time suggested, it will yield a nice al dente texture (firm to the bite but fully cooked). Drain and rinse in cool water, then set aside.

    Step 2: Melt. In a saucepan (or skillet, or Dutch Oven large enough to hold the pasta once combined with the sauce), melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter and saute 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of garlic for 1 minute.

    Step 3: Whisk. Add 2 cups (473 milliliters) of milk, 1 cup (237 milliliters) of heavy cream, and 4 ounces (113 grams) of cubed cream cheese. Warm until the cream cheese begins to break apart. Use a whisk to combine and finish breaking down the cream cheese.

    Step 4: Add. Add 2 cups (300 grams) of diced ham and 2 cups (330 grams) of peas (thawed peas, if using frozen) and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the ham and peas are warmed.

    Step 5: Add cheese. Add 1 cup (120 grams) each of grated sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese, and season with ½ teaspoon (2 grams) of salt and pepper (to taste). Stir occasionally until all of the cheese is melted.

    Step 6: Combine. Add the cooked fettuccine and stir until well-coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of parsley when serving, if desired.

    Crockpot Ham And Pea Pasta

    Step 1: Prepare. Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.

    Step 2: Boil. Cook 16 ounces (454 grams) of fettuccine in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse in warm water, then transfer to the crock pot.

    Step 3: Add. Add remaining ingredients (except for the peas): 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of garlic, 2 cups (473 milliliters) of milk, 1 cup (237 milliliters) of heavy cream, 4 ounces (113 grams) of cream cheese, 1 cup (120 grams) of both grated sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses, ½ teaspoon (2 grams) of both salt and pepper and 2 cups (300 grams) of diced ham. Stir to combine.

    Step 4: Cook. Cover and set your slow cooker on low setting and cook for 3 hours, or until pasta is tender (al dente). Stir, then add 2 cups (330 grams) of peas and cover. Finish cooking for 10 additional minutes.

    🍽️ What To Serve With Ham and Pea Pasta

    Best antipasto salad with balsamic vinaigrette in serving bowl.
    Antipasto Salad
    Tall image of cheese croquettes.
    Cheese Croquettes

    This ham and pea pasta makes a perfectly delicious quick dinner all by itself. It's a complete meal by itself, but it's still a great dinner to snack on some appetizers with!

    Serve some easy air fryer pretzel bites with cheese dip for pretzels, an antipasto salad, or cheese croquettes. Of course, ham and pea pasta also tastes great when paired with a garden salad or garlic bread!

    For garnish, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, chopped fresh thyme or parsley, or red chili flakes can elevate the dish.

    🙂 😀 Testimonials

    I made this using leftover Christmas ham and everyone loved it! Plus, it's a great way to get my kids to enjoy peas!

    Jennifer Seely

    💭 Tips & Notes

    • You can begin making the sauce while the pasta is cooking. This will help to save you some time in the kitchen!
    • If you want to make this dish more traditional, swap out the diced ham for prosciutto.
    • To ensure your pasta remains al dente, always cook it for the lower time recommended on the package. Also, rinsing it in cold water after draining stops the cooking process and retains its firm texture.
    • Grate your cheese yourself for the best results. Pre-grated cheese has additives to keep it from sticking together, preventing it from melting smoothly.
    Tall image of ham and pea pasta.

    🥡 Storing & Reheating

    Let your leftover ham and pea pasta cool to room temperature. Then, you can transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    I do not recommend freezing this pasta dish, as the sauce will separate upon thawing.

    Reheating Ham and Pea Pasta

    To reheat your pasta, place it into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk (or broth or water) and heat it, stirring occasionally.

    Check out my post on how to reheat pasta for more methods.

    Have you tried this recipe or made your own variations to give this tasty recipe a twist? Be sure to share your culinary experiments with me in the comments below, send pics to add to any comments at angela@bakeiwithlove.com, or tag BIWL on Instagram #bake_it_with_love!

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    ❓ What Type Of Pasta Is Best For Ham and Pea Pasta?

    The traditional recipe (pasta alla papalina) uses fettuccine. However, you can really use whatever kind you like!

    Tagliatelle is a great alternative to fettuccine. Or, you can mix it up and use shells, fusilli, bowtie pasta, or any other type you may have on hand!

    ❓ Can I Substitute The Milk Or Heavy Cream?

    While you can definitely try a milk substitute or heavy cream substitute, I don't recommend it. These are key ingredients (along with the cream cheese) to ensure a perfectly rich and creamy sauce.

    ❓ Can I Use Canned Peas?

    Sure! Make sure to drain them really well before using them.

    Since they are already soft, you may want to hold off on adding them until the end of the cooking time for both the stovetop and slow cooker methods.

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe Card

    Square image of ham and pea pasta.
    Print Recipe Leave A Comment
    Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
    5 from 16 reviews

    Ham and Pea Pasta

    This ham and pea pasta combines tender chunks of ham with fettuccine and peas in a rich, creamy white sauce that the whole family loves! It's a quick and easy pasta dinner to make, either on the stovetop or in your crock pot! Plus, it is perfect for using up leftover ham!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 525kcal
    Prep 15 minutes minutes
    Cooking 10 minutes minutes
    Crock Pot Cooking Time 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 16 oz fettuccine (uncooked)
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced or crushed)
    • 2 cups milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
    • 2 cups ham (diced or cubed)
    • 2 cups peas (or a 10 oz bag frozen, thawed)
    • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
    • 1 cup Swiss cheese (grated, Gruyere is best for flavor and melting)
    • ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
    • 2 tablespoon parsley (optional, garnish)
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    Stove Top Ham and Pea Pasta

    • Cook your 16 oz fettuccine according to boxed directions, typically on the lower end of the time suggested will yield a nice al dente texture (firm to the bite, but fully cooked). Drain and rinse in cool water. Set aside.
      16 oz fettuccine
    • In a saucepan (or skillet, or Dutch Oven large enough to hold the pasta once combined with the sauce) melt the 2 tablespoon butter and saute the 1 tablespoon garlic for 1 minute.
      2 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon garlic
    • Add 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and cubed 4 oz cream cheese. Warm until the cream cheese begins to break apart. Use a whisk to combine and finish breaking down the cream cheese.
      2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 oz cream cheese
    • Add the diced 2 cups ham and 2 cups peas (thawed peas, if using frozen) and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the ham and peas are warmed.
      2 cups ham, 2 cups peas
    • Add the grated 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup Swiss cheese, and season with ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste). Stir occasionally until all of the cheese is melted.
      1 cup Swiss cheese, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
    • Add the cooked fettuccine and stir until well-coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with 2 tablespoon parsley when serving, if desired.
      2 tablespoon parsley

    Crock Pot Ham and Pea Pasta

    • Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Cook your 16 oz fettuccine in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse in warm water, then transfer to the crock pot.
      16 oz fettuccine
    • Add remaining ingredients (except for the peas): 2 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 oz cream cheese, grated 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup Swiss cheese, ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper, and diced 2 cups ham. Stir to combine.
      2 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup Swiss cheese, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper, 2 cups ham
    • Cover and set your slow cooker on low setting and cook for 3 hours, or until pasta is tender (al dente). Stir, then add the 2 cups peas and cover. Finish cooking for 10 additional minutes.
      2 cups peas

    Equipment You May Need

    Saucepan
    Stockpot (6 quart)
    Silicone Whisk

    Notes

    Tips:
    • You can begin making the sauce while the pasta is cooking. This will help to save you some time in the kitchen!
    • If you want to make this dish more traditional, swap out the diced ham for prosciutto.
    • To ensure your pasta remains al dente, always cook it for the lower time recommended on the package. Also, rinsing it in cold water after draining stops the cooking process and retains its firm texture.
    • Grate your cheese yourself for the best results. Pre-grated cheese has additives to keep it from sticking together, preventing it from melting smoothly.
    Storing & Reheating:
    • To store: Let your leftover ham and pea pasta cool to room temperature. Then, you can transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
       
    • Freezing is not recommended for this pasta dish, as the sauce will separate upon thawing.
    • To reheat: Place it into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk (or broth or water) and heat it, stirring occasionally. Check out my post on how to reheat pasta for more methods.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 525kcal (26%) | Carbohydrates: 41g (14%) | Protein: 23g (46%) | Fat: 30g (46%) | Saturated Fat: 17g (106%) | Cholesterol: 133mg (44%) | Sodium: 638mg (28%) | Potassium: 383mg (11%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 6g (7%) | Vitamin A: 1172IU (23%) | Vitamin C: 13mg (16%) | Calcium: 276mg (28%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    Crock Pot, Ham and Pea Pasta, leftover ham, leftover recipes, slow cooker
    Course Dinner Recipes, Entrees, Leftover Ideas, Main Course, Pasta, Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/

    More Main Dish

    • Square split image showing different Christmas Prime rib dinner menu ideas.
      Christmas Prime Rib Dinner Menu
    • Square split image showing different recipe ideas for a budget friendly Christmas dinner.
      Budget Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
    • Square split image showing different recipes to make with leftover roast beef.
      Leftover Roast Beef Recipes
    • Square image of leftover ham stroganoff.
      Ham Stroganoff

    Share This Recipe!

    • Share
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Author bio photo with cake.

    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

    Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

    More about me →

    Best Leftover Ideas!

    • Square image showing different leftover steak recipes.
      Leftover Steak Recipes
    • Square split image showing different Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas.
      Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
    • Square image of holiday ham casserole.
      Holiday Ham Casserole
    • Square image of baked scotch eggs.
      Baked Scotch Eggs
    • Square image of meatloaf on a white serving platter.
      How To Reheat Meatloaf
    • Square image of pork tacos.
      Pork Tacos
    • Square split image showing different recipes using canned chicken.
      Canned Chicken Recipes
    • Square image of chicken tater tot casserole.
      Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Christmas Is Coming!

    • Square split image showing different Christmas make ahead appetizers you can make.
      Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers
    • Square split image showing different recipes that go with with your Christmas ham.
      Christmas Ham Dinner Menu
    • Square image showing melting snowman sugar cookies with some hot cocoa.
      Melting Snowman Sugar Cookies
    • Square image of crockpot scalloped potatoes on a plate.
      Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
    • Square image of sliced baked holiday ham.
      Baked Holiday Ham
    • How to score a ham like this holiday baked ham sliced and served on a wooden cutting board with cloves in the diamond pattern on the ham.
      How To Score Ham
    • Best pecan sandies cookie recipe that bakes up perfectly tender with roasted crushed pecans in a shortbread cookie.
      Pecan Sandies
    • Square split image showing Christmas side dishes.
      Christmas Side Dish Recipes
    As Seen On block with logos from the companies Angela has worked with including Mashed, Vice Munchies, Lake Country Journal, Delish, Yummly, and more.

    DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no added cost to you.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Angela
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Home
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Subscribe

    Recipes

    • Dinners
    • Desserts
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfasts
    • Appetizers
    • Condiments
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Instant Pot
    • Casseroles
    • Cookies & Bars
    • Holidays

    Read

    • Collections
    • What To Serve With
    • Baking Basics
    • Conversions
    • Oven Conversions
    • Food That Starts With
    • Substitutions
    • Freezing
    • Reheating
    • Food Info
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2023 Bake It With Love