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Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Ham

This is all stuff I typically have on hand after the holidays - leftover ham, some pasta, and heavy cream. The longest part is just waiting for the water to boil.
prep time15 minutes
cook time20 minutes
total time35 minutes
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Ingredients

Ingredients (~6 servings)

  • 1 lb bow tie pasta
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup spring onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 cup ham, cut into 1/4 inch strips
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  • Boil salted water and cook bow tie pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  • Melt butter in large saucepan, sauté spring onions for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle flour over onions, whisk and cook 1 minute.
  • Slowly pour in cream, whisking to prevent lumps.
  • Add mascarpone, Parmesan, and ground mustard, stirring until smooth.
  • Stir in ham and peas, heat through 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, add lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour sauce over pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Thin sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Garnish with remaining parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste. Use pasta water to control sauce consistency.