#842 - Ham and Pea Pasta

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 - 12oz. box bowtie pasta (cooked according to package directions)
1lb. fresh or frozen sugar snap peas
1 chopped onion
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 lb. sliced deli ham (cut into strips)
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook bowtie pasta according to box directions--add the peas during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking time. When pasta/pea mixture is done, drain but reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Use the same pot you cooked the pasta/peas in and spray it with Pam. Add chopped onion to the greased pot and cook over low heat/stir until softened. Add ham strips and cook until lightly browned. Add cream--stir and cook until thickened (3-5 minutes). Add Parmesan cheese, cooked pasta/peas, pepper and reserved pasta water--stir and heat thoroughly until creamy and hot enough for serving.