When the evening stretches thin and the fridge isn’t exactly bursting with options, this one pot pasta erbsen schinken comes to the rescue. It’s the kind of dish that quietly fills the kitchen with comforting aromas—garlic and onion slowly softening in olive oil, the subtle sweetness of peas mingling with the smoky ham. The creamy broth bubbles up around the pasta, coaxing it to tenderness without any fuss. I usually get a little distracted halfway through—maybe checking my phone or tidying a spilled bit of flour—but the dish keeps on working its magic, no matter.
There’s something deeply satisfying about stirring a pot that promises a warm meal with minimal cleanup. The first bite is often the best—creamy, savory, with just enough texture from the peas and a gentle chew from the ham. It’s not fancy, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be. It feels honest and homey, a quick fix that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort.
- It’s an easy one-pot meal—meaning less mess and more time to breathe.
- The blend of peas and ham adds a playful contrast to creamy pasta, even if it’s not the lightest dish out there.
- It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when time is short but hunger is loud.
- The flavors are familiar and inviting, making it a solid choice whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the fresh herbs on hand; dried oregano and basil work just fine here, and the Parmesan cheese brings everything together in a way that feels indulgent without trying too hard.
PrintOne Pot Pasta with Peas and Ham (Erbsen Schinken)
A quick and comforting one pot pasta dish featuring tender peas and savory ham, cooked together for an easy and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
300 grams dried pasta (penne or fusilli)
150 grams cooked ham, diced
150 grams frozen peas
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
750 ml chicken or vegetable broth
200 ml milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk, then add the dried pasta, frozen peas, dried oregano, and dried basil.
Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
One pot dishes like this don’t require any special equipment—just a sturdy pot with enough room to stir. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Sometimes, I swap out the peas for whatever veggies are lingering in the fridge—spinach or zucchini could work, though I haven’t tested it thoroughly. If you want to switch up the protein, cooked chicken or turkey might do the trick, but the ham’s smoky saltiness is really what makes this dish sing.
FAQ
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes, but add them a bit later in the cooking so they don’t get mushy.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian? You could skip the ham and add more veggies or a vegetarian protein, though the flavor will shift quite a bit.
How should leftovers be stored? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if it feels dry.
This one pot pasta erbsen schinken is a quiet champion for weeknights. Give it a try, save the recipe, and let it be your go-to for those times when you want something simple but soulful.