Exhausted here today - up at 4:30, watched Royal wedding in hotel room with colleagues . . . it was great fun dissecting the clothing choices, ceremony, behaviour, and hair. Champagne and OJ as the royal couple emerged from Westminister. Then attended the conference all day followed by a long drive home.
Yes, I am exhausted.
When it came to dinner I wanted something fast and tasty.
This recipe for pasta shells with peas and ham in a creamy sauce with fresh dill from the fine folk at Food and Wine magazine seemed ro fit the bill. It came together quickly - you can have this on the table in less than 30 minutes. I was impressed with the way the smoky ham combined with the creamy sauce. Paul LOVED the fresh dill. All in all this was a delicious treat that I know we'll make again.
Pasta Shells with Peas and Ham
1 pound small pasta shells or elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
One 10-ounce package frozen peas
1/4 pound thinly sliced country ham or prosciutto, coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped dill
and freshly ground pepper
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain the shells, return them to the pot and toss with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the peas and ham and cook until the peas are hot and the ham is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cream and stock and simmer over moderate heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir the cream sauce into the shells. Add the Parmesan and dill and season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls.
Oh, my stomach is speaking to me viewing your blog entry. Peas and pasta - comfort food for me..I know, it's strange. I'll give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: menehune | April 29, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Yup - comfort food indeed!
Posted by: JDeQ | June 30, 2011 at 06:27 AM