Pasta as a Piatto unico

Pasta with fresh peas, cream and bacon

Pasta is usually served as a first course , primo, and then followed by meat or fish and vegetables. Some pasta dishes are so nutritious they can count as a Piatto unico, this means a main course without a starter.

One of my favourites is Pasta with peas and ham. There are many versions of it. This is one where most of the preparation can be done in advance . All you have to do is boil the pasta at the last minute and then add all the other ingredients and warm through.

Serves 4

275-350g pasta - depending on appetites

100g butter

1 large onion, finely sliced

100g lean ham or bacon or speck

100g peas,cooked

60ml of fresh cream or ricotta mixed with some milk

100g grated cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the butter in a pan and cook the onion until soft. Add the peas and stir well then set aside in a bowl until ready to serve.

Cook the ham,bacon or speck in a little oil in a non- stick pan until lightly golden. Drain on kitchen towel to absorb excess fat and set aside.

When the pasta is cooked, drain in a colander. Put the cream or ricotta and grated cheese into the saucepan and cook gently over a low heat. Add the peas and onion, some of the ham and the pasta. Stir well and adjust the seasoning. Serve with some of the ham or bacon sprinkled on top and more grated cheese. Serve with salad and cherry tomatoes.

Buon appetito

The ingredients can be prepared separately and then the dish assembled at the last minute