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.

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

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.

🥡 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.

📖 Recipe Card