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–+ servings
Whether you have leftover ham you need to use or you just don't want a whole ham for Easter this Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Pasta is perfection. Such a great weeknight meal!
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4.28 from 51 votes

Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Pasta

This creamy pasta has a hint of lemon which totally brightens the dish along with garlicky asparagus, little peas and juicy ham which makes for a pretty near perfect spring pasta recipe.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: 50 of our Best Easy Pasta Recipes
Keyword: asparagus, cream sauce, dinner, easter, ham, leftovers, lemon, pasta, peas, recipe, spring
Servings: 6
Author: Sweet Basil

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Pasta orcchiette
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons Butter unsalted
  • 1 Tablespoon Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Cup Cream heavy, or milk
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese fresh, grated, plus more for serving
  • 1 Lemon juiced and zested
  • Salt to taste
  • Olive Oil
  • 8 Asparagus Spears chopped on a diagonal *see note
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Seasoning we use Johnny's Garlic Spread]
  • 1 Package Ham pre-cubed, about 2 Cups
  • 1 Cup Peas frozen
  • Parsley freshly chopped, for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat a pot of water over medium high heat and add a little salt.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
    8 ounces Pasta
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and once melted, quickly whisk in the garlic powder and flour, continuing to whisk for 30 seconds.
    1 1/2 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Tablespoon Flour, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Add the cream or milk and continue to whisk until it begins to thicken.
    1 Cup Cream
  • Add the parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice and then season to taste. Set aside.
    1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 1 Lemon
  • In a skillet over medium high heat, add a drizzle or two of olive oil and once hot add the asparagus along with the seasoning. Stir occasionally until it it cooked but not soggy, remove to a plate.
    Olive Oil, 8 Asparagus Spears, 1 teaspoon Garlic Seasoning
  • Add another drizzle of oil and add the cubed ham. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the ham begins to brown and caramelize.
    Olive Oil, 1 Package Ham
  • Add the peas and toss to cook.
    1 Cup Peas
  • Dump the asparagus back in the skillet along with the drained pasta and sauce. Toss to coat and serve with additional parmesan and parsley.
    Parsley

Notes

To trim Asparagus, hold the spear with an end in each hand and bend the spear. It will naturally break in the best place.
Pasta will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1050IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg