Quick Ham and Peas Pasta- Lunchbox Special

Ingredients

Ham- 4 slices

Cheese, grated- 1/4 cup ( any cheese)

Peas- 1/4 cup

Pasta, boiled- 1/2 cup

Chilli powder- 1/4 tsp

Garlic salt- 1/4 tsp ( optional)

or

Garlic- 1 clove grated

Salt- to taste

Oil- 1 tbsp

Method

1. Boil the pasta as per instructions in packet. Do not drain, just leave it sitting in the water. Also, remember not to over cook, as it keeps cooking while it is in the water.

2. Microwave the peas for 1-2 minutes, till soft.

3. Grate any cheese of your choice.

4. Roll up the ham slices and cut into long strips

5. Heat oil in a pan. Add the peas and fry for 1-2 minutes. If adding the garlic cloves, add first into the oil, fry for 1 minute and then add peas.

6. Add the ham slices and fry for another 2 minutes.

7. Add in salt (or garlic salt), pepper, red chilli powder and fry for 1 minute.

8. Add in the boiled pasta and mix well.

9. Add in the grated cheese and some of the water from the pasta that you have retained- about 1/4-1/3 cup should do it. Add more or less according to how much sauce you like in the pasta.

I have tried to make this pasta sauce light by not adding any milk, and just adding the pasta water, which will thicken it anyway.

If you want to add milk, do so. Add about 1/4 cup.

Serve hot. This is a fantastically quick recipe for kids lunchboxes and has the right mix or carbs, protein and fibre.

For a vegetarian option, mushrooms would work beautifully.

My son loves it in his lunchbox. 

Would you fancy making some?