Creamy Penne Pasta With Ham And Peas - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup peas, frozen petite
1 1/2 cups ham, chopped small
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
5 -6 garlic cloves, chopped (or more!)
8 ounces cream cheese, lite is wonderful in this
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 -2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
fresh pepper (to taste)

Preparation

Bring large pot of water to boil and add pasta, cooking to al dente.
Add peas last 2-3 minutes to pasta.
Scoop out 1 cup pasta water, then drain, and place in a large serving dish.
Whisk flour into milk (or shake together in a jar) till mixed well.
In skillet, pour olive oil in and add ham, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until ham is crispy. Remove to paper towel to drain.
In sauce pan, melt butter (or use more olive oil) and saute garlic over medium low for about 2-3 minutes (if you love garlic, feel free to add more!).
Whisk in milk/flour mixture and add chipped cream cheese, whisking till melted into sauce smoothly. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk till incorporated.
In large dish with pasta and peas, toss in crispy ham, and any other vegetables you want (optional).
Pour sauce over pasta and mix, pouring in pasta water till nice and creamy.
Top with more parmesan and fresh ground pepper.
serve immediately with tossed salad and garlic bread. YUM!