Spring Ham and Pea Pasta

Ingredients

8 oz strozzapretti pasta or other short pasta

2 tbsp butter

2 cups ham, cubed

1 cup peas, frozen

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

salt and pepper

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/2 cup milk

3/4 cup half and half

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to directions on package, rinse, drain and set aside.

Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add 2 cups cubed ham. Sauté until ham is slightly browned, approx. 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove ham from skillet and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly 1 to 2 minutes. Then add Italian Seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper, and frozen peas. Cook a few minutes more until peas are cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Add I Tablespoon butter to skillet on medium heat. When butter is mostly melted add flour and stir constantly scraping the bottom and sides until the butter and flour form a fragrant paste. Approximately 3 minutes.

Slowly add milk and half and half, stirring constantly until thickened. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to prevent burning. Stir in parmesan cheese until incorporated. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more half and half until the desired consistency is reached.

Toss cooked pasta, ham, and peas in sauce.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately.