Got leftover ham you don’t want to waste? This ham and pea pasta is our go-to recipe for using up extra ham from a roast dinner. It’s a real crowd-pleaser with kids, who tend to love anything pasta-shaped, and it makes a hearty, filling meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
It’s also perfect for busy weeknights, since it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 200g of fusilli pasta
- 100g of frozen petit pois
- 150ml of cream
- 150g of ham
- 4 slices of sandwich bread
- 1 garlic clove
- Olive oil
- 50g of parmesan cheese
Method
1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the pack.
2. Five minutes into boiling, add in the peas.
3. When the pasta is cooked, drain out the water.
4. Put the pot back on the heat and add in the cream and chopped ham, warming through.
5. To make the breadcrumbs, blend the 4 slices of sandwich bread to make fresh breadcrumbs.
6. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and add in the breadcrumbs, crushed garlic clove and grated parmesan.
7. Cook for five minutes until the breadcrumbs are crisp.
To serve, place the pasta into a bowl and top with the delicious garlic breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Fusilli holds the sauce well, but penne, rigatoni or any short pasta shape will work just as nicely.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Fresh peas work fine too — just add them a few minutes before the pasta is due to finish cooking, the same way you would with frozen peas.
Can I make this ahead or freeze it?
This dish is best made fresh, as cream-based pasta sauces can split when frozen and reheated. It’s quick enough to make on the day you plan to eat it.
What type of ham works best?
Any cooked leftover ham works well here — sliced roast ham, gammon or a baked ham all suit this recipe.
Can I leave out the breadcrumb topping?
You can, if you’re short on time, though the crispy garlic parmesan topping adds a lovely bit of crunch and flavour that’s worth the extra few minutes.
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- 25 Leftover Turkey Recipes to Create More Great Family Meals
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