Simple Barilotti with Peas, Ham and Cream is a comforting, indulgent dish that comes together quickly and is sure to please the entire family!
This dish feels like home to me…like a smoldering fire with burnt orange coals that crackle beneath the grate, like a cushy chair draped in a cozy throw with a tower of books by its side, like the subtle perfume of vanilla scented candles that dot a dark room.
Yes, it is that gratifying.
Don’t you just love a dazzling cream sauce? It dresses up so many things. I had the idea to make a nice cavatelli, but as luck would have it, my grocer was out, so I went with the next best thing…the pasta that caught my eye. Today’s choice: Barilotti. This pasta is part of Wegmans’ Italian Classic series. Shaped pretty similarly to cavatelli, I decided to give it a go.
Barilotti lightly draped in cream sauce with a hint of nutmeg, sweet peas and crispy ham is comfort food at its finest.
WHAT IS BARILOTTI?
- A hearty pasta made of semolina flour and water.
- Shaped like an empty pea pod, it’s a perfect form for cradling sauce.
- It’s store bought which makes for a nice alternative if there’s no time to make handmade pasta.
- Barilotti pairs well with classic tomato, cream and vegetable sauces.
COOK’S NOTES FOR SIMPLE BARILOTTI WITH PEAS, HAM AND CREAM:
- I talk a lot about ‘al dente’ pasta… to be sure that your pasta is cooked properly – boil for 2 minutes less than the instructions call for. You want a nice toothsome experience when you bite into it. No mushy pasta for us!
- Be sure to include the nutmeg in the cream sauce. It’s a beautiful complement.
- We’re using un-smoked ham, but feel free to use prosciutto or even bacon if you have it on hand.
- It’s a great idea to toss the frozen peas right into the pasta water as it cooks. Two for one!
- If you can’t find barilotti – cavatelli, fusilli, penne and rigatoni make fine substitutes.
Simple Barilotti with Peas, Ham and Cream is a gorgeous rustic dish that comes together quickly, and reminds us that cozy wintertime meals can be the best meals!
If this recipe appeals to you and you decide to give it a whirl – I’d love your feedback and photos! Tag @ciaochowbambina on Instagram, or share to my Pinterest page.
MORE PASTA RECIPES TO ENJOY:
Pasta with Herbed Walnut Sauce
Homemade Creamy Macaroni & Cheese – Seasons & Suppers
Spicy Pasta with Chickpeas & Herbs
Balsamic Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Broccoli & Mushrooms – The Beach House Kitchen
BUON APPETITO!
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Simple Barilotti with Peas, Ham and Cream
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Simple Barilotti with Peas, Ham and Cream is a comforting, indulgent dish that comes together quickly and is sure to please the entire family!
Ingredients
6 ounces thick-sliced unsmoked ham
1 Tbsp. olive oil
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
3 shallots, minced
Kosher salt
1 lb. barilotti pasta (or cavatelli, fusilli, rigatoni…)
2 cups frozen sweet peas
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
Cut the ham into thin strips, then cut across into 1-inch pieces.
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ham. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until ham is golden and crisp.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ham to a small bowl. Set aside.
Add 4 Tbsp. of butter to the same skillet. Once butter is melted and has stopped foaming, add the minced shallots and a pinch of salt. Stir.
Adjust the heat to low, cover, and cook stirring occasionally until they are very soft and golden, about 15 minutes.
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, stirring for the first few seconds to prevent any sticking.
About 5 minutes into the cooking, add the frozen peas.
Cook the pasta according to package directions minus 2 minutes for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
The pasta should be soft but still firm.
When the shallots are ready, add cream, nutmeg and black pepper, to taste. Taste for seasoning. Add salt if necessary.
Bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 3 minutes to let the flavors infuse then remove from heat.
Drain the pasta and return the empty pot to the stove.
Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining butter and reserved pasta water.
Add the drained pasta and peas and toss.
Add the cream sauce and cook, tossing continually, for about 1 minute.
Serve immediately, topped with the crispy ham and a good grate of Parmesan.
Yummy pasta! Also a great way to
use up some leftover holiday ham.
You betcha! Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Ah, now this is lovely and my kind of comfort food. Ham and cream and cheese go so well together. And mushrooms. And tomatoes…. I love this pasta shape!
Thank you, friend!
Your description of this dish is making me drool! Looks hearty and flavourful, and the perfect cozy meal for all the cold weather we are having!
This is quite the drool-worthy dish! Thank you, friend!
I love hearty, comforting dishes like this, Annie – perfect for cold winter nights. A glass of red, a little green salad and a pasta dish like this and I’m all set! And thanks for the tip about al dente pasta – mushy pasta is a big no no.
You set a pretty scene, my friend! Thanks, Geraldine!
What a hearty and flavorful dish, can’t wait for this to fill my belly! Delicious dinner!
Happiness! Enjoy!! 🙂
Such a lovely pasta dish with such wonderful flavors! Definitely comfort food at its finest! Love the pasta shape – reminds of the shell shape but chewier with all the little crevices for the sauce to puddle up in! I’ll have to pass by Wegman’s and pick some up. Annie, your writing is just as beautiful as your photos (which are amazing!). Your words transport me right into your living room and I can almost hear the fire crackling. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Thank you for your sweet words, my friend. That means a lot to me! Have a beautiful weekend!
This looks like my new go-to pasta dish when I don’t know what to make! Everyone would love it! Perfect for this time of year too 🙂 Bravo!
Yesss! You will love it!! Thanks, friend!
I am loving this colorful bowl of comforting goodness! Absolutely tempting, who could refuse? Leave it to you to make some drool-worthy pasta:)
Awhhh, thanks, pal! Give me all the comfort these days! 🙂
I love how you described what makes this pasta dish feel like ‘home’…sounds like home to me too. This pasta looks entirely comforting and delicious, Annie.
Pasta provides all the comfort! I love homey dishes! Thank you, friend!
First of all, I love Wegman’s! I always buy their different pasta shapes. And this dish? OMG, Tom and I make something similar with tortellini and Tom loves it. Can’t wait to give your recipe a go Annie!
Wegmans is THE BEST!! My ultimate weekly field trip! I think you guys will love it!! Thanks, Mary Ann!
Can I just tell you how much I miss Wegmans? We don’t have anything like them here in Phoenix and sometimes, as I wander the aisles at the regular store, I dream about moving back to Syracuse. This pasta looks amazing; simple dinners are always my favorite!
I believe it! Who knows….maybe they’ll make their way to you…I know they’ve moved beyond CNY…fingers crossed! Thanks, friend!
I’ve never tried barilotti before, but I just know I’d love it, especially when paired with a cream sauce and ham! Talk about comfort food and all kinds of cozy! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead, my friend ! XOXO
Oh, I think you’d love it! A nice hearty pasta! Thanks, friend! XOXO