Salty and savory ham mixed with the pop of sweet baby peas is a delicious combination especially when mixed with pasta in a creamy garlic dressing! Bring this side dish to your next summer BBQ or just eat it on it’s own as a quick and easy meal. You won’t be disappointed!

Summer, summer, summertime!
It is in full (feels like 200 degrees outside) force here and we’ve been spending almost every day in the pool. That’s why making simple dinners that don’t require a lot of time or fuss are a necessity! I love making this pasta in the afternoon and letting it sit in the fridge for a couple hours so the flavors marry together, but eating it right after its made is just as good! Best part? 7 ingredients total and it’s enough to feed a crowd!

The dressing is what makes this dish. Creamy and garlicky- it pairs perfectly with the sweet baby peas and salty ham.

I seriously could eat the whole bowl on it’s own while shoveling it in with that big wooden spoon. Don’t judge me. 😉

Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 6 people 1x
Description
Salty and savory ham mixed with the pop of sweet baby peas is a delicious combination especially when mixed with pasta in a creamy garlic dressing! Bring this side dish to your next summer BBQ or just eat it on it’s own as a quick and easy meal. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta ( I like using shells or something similar)
- 2 cups ham (diced)
- 1 cup frozen baby peas
- 1 cup scallions (chopped)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 4 oz. cream cheese (I use reduced fat but choose what you like)
- 1–2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional*)
Instructions
- Cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Add your ham, peas, and scallions into a large bowl with the pasta.
- Add 4 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, and the minced garlic to the 1 cup of reserved pasta water. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Pour dressing over the pasta, and give everything a good toss together. Sprinkle with poppy seeds before serving.
- Category: Main Dish, Salad
- Cuisine: Pasta
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do. It’s quickly become a summer party go-to side and easy week day dinner.
And if you’re looking for more delicious pasta dishes…Check out my pasta recipe tab while you’re here!
Talk to you soon, friends. Take care!
XO
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