Lunch: Pasta Shells with Peas and Ham

Ingredients

1 pound small pasta shells or elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
One 10-ounce package frozen peas
1/4 pound thinly sliced country ham or prosciutto, coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup chopped dill
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain the shells, return them to the pot and toss with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the peas and ham and cook until the peas are hot and the ham is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cream and stock and simmer over moderate heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir the cream sauce into the shells. Add the Parmesan and dill and season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls.

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