Fettuccine with Peas and Ham

Cooking for Kids
Recipe By Emeril Lagasse

If you want longevity and to keep your nanny job after the kids start school, I have found cooking dinner for the family as a helpful skill to have. Preparing hot, fresh dinners gives the parents time to bond with their kids after arriving home from a long day of work, instead of worrying about what to make to eat. The family I work for love recipes from Emeril Lagasse. This quick and easy pasta dish can be found in
Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast.

Simmering the Sauce

You Will Need:

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more
for the pasta water

1 pound fettuccine

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup thinly sliced shallot

1 tablespoon Emeril’s Original Essence

1 teaspoon minced garlic

8 ounces ham steak, diced (about 2 cups)

1 cup dozen green peas

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving (optional)

Freshly ground black pepper, for serving (optional)

What to Do:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 12 minutes.

2. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce: In a 12-inch or larger sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, shallot, Essence, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the  garlic, ham, and peas and cook for 2 minutes longer. Increase the heat to high, add the cream, and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and simmer  until the cream thickens, about 5 minutes.

3. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.

4. Add the drained pasta, 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water, and the parsley and cheese to the sauce and cook, tossing constantly, until heated through and well combined, about 1 minute. If the mixture seems dry, add the raining cooking water, a little at a time, as needed.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the pasta mixture to a large serving bowl or to individual bowls. Sprinkle with additional cheese and black pepper if desired.

You can buy your own copy of the cookbook by clicking links above or below:

Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast.