Solve dinner-time dilemmas with this easy pasta skillet that's ready in just 20 minutes. Tortellini and a cheesy sauce is the perfect pairing for ham - especially leftovers.
Save this recipe!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
When I'm looking for a quick dinner, pasta is no fail. I often turn to Spinach Alfredo Tortellini or Tortellini Pasta in Pink Sauce. Fresh, store-bought pasta is convenient, cooks in minutes, and creates meals the whole family will love. This Tortellini with Ham and Peas is no exception.
Jump to:
Why you will love this recipe
- Simple sauce - The sauce comes together easily with just a few ingredients.
- Big flavor -This sauce is full of comforting, cheesy flavor.
- Perfect for using up leftover ham. But if you don't have ham on hand, there are plenty of options (keep reading for my suggestions).
- Serve family-style straight from the skillet. Everyone is guaranteed to want seconds!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Tortellini - I prefer using fresh cheese tortellini that is widely available in the refrigerated section at the supermarket. Other varieties can be used, but look for pasta with fillings that won't compete with the other ingredients in this dish. Frozen or dried tortellini can also be used.
- Ham - This dish is an ideal way to use up leftover ham. If you don't have leftover ham, you can use a ham steak or Canadian bacon. Alternatively, chicken is a great option. Slice up last night's leftovers or add rotisserie chicken. For a meat-free meal, add spinach or broccoli instead.
- Cheese - I love Gruyere. It pairs so well with ham and melts beautifully. White cheddar or Parmesan are also delicious options.
- Peas - Frozen peas are a great staple to keep in your freezer. They can be added to dishes at the last minute adding ease and convenience.
- Shallots provide a mild onion flavor in the sauce. You can also use sweet yellow onion.
Step-by-step instructions
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with 1-2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Meanwhile, add the butter to a skillet set over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a pinch or two of pepper. Add the flour and stir to incorporate. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Add the milk, stirring to incorporate. Cook for 2-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Fold in the tortellini.
- Add the ham and peas. Stir in pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Expert Tips
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water. This is the only way to infuse the pasta itself with flavor. For 10 ounces of pasta, add about 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the cheese sauce as necessary.
- Use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- Wait to season with salt until the end. Both the ham and cheese contain salt, so salting the individual layers will likely lead to an over-salted dish.
What to serve with tortellini
Round out a complete meal with Ciabatta garlic bread and a garden salad or berry salad.
Craving more? Subscribe to My Casual Pantry to get the latest recipes and ideas sent directly to your inbox.
📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Tortellini with Ham and Peas
Solve dinner time dilemmas with this easy pasta skillet that's ready in just 20 minutes. Tortellini and a cheesy sauce is the perfect pairing for ham - especially leftovers.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 ounces Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- 1-1½ cups diced ham
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with 1-2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Meanwhile, add the butter to a skillet set over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a pinch or two of pepper. Add the flour and stir to incorporate. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Add the milk, stirring to incorporate. Cook for 2-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Fold in the tortellini.
- Add the ham and peas. Stir in pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cook the pasta in well-salted water. This is the only way to infuse the pasta itself with flavor. For 10 ounces of pasta, add about 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.
Reserve some pasta water to thin out the cheese sauce as necessary.
Use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
Wait to season with salt until the end. Both the ham and cheese contain salt, so salting the individual layers will likely lead to an over-salted dish.
If using frozen or dried pasta, cook the pasta according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 602kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 1382mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 822IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 440mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment and rating below.
Love this recipe? Follow on Pinterest for more inspiration!
Comments
No Comments