Name: Creamy Spring Vegetable and Ham Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine or other pasta; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup leeks, thinly sliced, white and light green parts only; 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds; 2 cups chopped ham; 1 Tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 1 cup frozen green peas; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh parsley sprigs for optional garnish

Embrace the freshness of spring with this delightful pasta dish, where tender vegetables and savory ham meet in a luscious, creamy sauce. It's a celebration of seasonal flavors in every bite!

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

02

Step

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, wide skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

03

Step

Incorporate the Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender, approximately 3-5 minutes.

04

Step

Add Ham and Garlic: Stir in the chopped ham and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.

05

Step

Introduce Peas: Add the frozen green peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until they are heated through.

06

Step

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

07

Step

Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy vegetable and ham sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve immediately.

For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick.
Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Other spring vegetables like zucchini or sugar snap peas can also be added.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.