Share a Spoon - Easy Peasy Pasta Alfredo

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HAPPY THURSDAY SMACKERS!
Share a Spoon
Today's theme is...
PASTA
I didn't have a request today, so I actually chose the theme.  I was hoping that we would get some fun new recipes.  Pasta is one of the most versatile and universal ingredients.  Almost every culture has their own version of a noodle or some sort of pasta.
I make all sorts of pasta dishes, most of them Italian in origin.  Though we do enjoy a nice stroganoff and goulash on occasion.  I love couscous and orzo salads.  Chicken noodle soup is my husband's favorite.
Today I thought I would share an easy peasy pasta dish.
This is my Americanize version of Prociutto and Peas.

Easy "Peas"y Pasta Alfredo
Ingredients:
1 Box Penne pasta1 large ham steak diced1 bag of frozen peas2-3 Tablespoons of fresh chopped Italian Flat Leaf Parsley
Alfredo Sauce:2 cups heavy cream1 stick butter2 cups grated parmesanblack pepper1 clove garlic grated

Cut ham steak into bite size chunks.  Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet and brown the ham steak.  Remove from heat and set aside.

In a sauce pan, over medium heat, melt butter and heavy cream together.  Add the grated garlic and let simmer.  Whisk in parmesan and pepper and simmer over low heat.



Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil.  Salt the water liberally and boil pasta according to the directions.  In the colander, open the frozen peas.  When the pasta is done pour the hot water and pasta over the peas. Stir peas into the pasta.
Pour pasta and peas back into the pot the pasta was cooked in.  Add the browned ham.  Pour the alfredo sauce over and mix.  Stir in the flat leaf parsley.  Serve and Enjoy!

I made the rolls to go with this meal.  They are super easy.  Even if you don't have a stand up mixer.  You only have to knead this dough for 6 minutes or so.  It's a very soft light and fluffy dough.  I promise, these are SOOOOOO worth the effort.
Ingredients:
1 package quick rise yeast2 Tablespoons of sugar1/2 cup warm water2 cups warm milk1/4 sugar2 eggs1 1/2 Tablespoons salt2 cloves grated garlic2 tablespoons dried oregano1/2 cup olive oil7-7 1/2 cups of flour
In a large bowl add yeast, warm water and 2 tablespoons sugar.  Allow the yeast to bloom.  Takes a couple of minutes.  Warm the milk in the microwave while waiting for the yeast to bloom.  Crack the eggs into a bowl.  Once the yeast has bloomed add the warm milk, olive oil, eggs, sugar, garlic, oregano, salt and three cups of the flour to the bowl.  Mix together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.  Slowly work in the remaining flour one cup at a time.  Once all the flour is incorporated turn dough out onto a clean floured surface and knead the dough for 6-8 minutes.  This is a soft and a little sticky dough.
Coat the bottom and sides of a large bowl with olive oil.  Add dough to prepared bowl turning to make sure it is coated in the oil.  Cover with a clean dish towel and set aside to rise.  The dough should double in size in an hour.  Punch the dough down and turn out onto a clean floured surface.  Cut the dough into 4 equal parts.  Cut the quarters into 6 equal sized pieces.  
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Roll the dough into 24 rolls and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
Cover the rolls and let them rise until they double in size.  Takes about 45 minutes.
Melt a stick of butter.  Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter.  Sprinkle with a little parmesan and flat leaf parsley.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

I promise you will LOVE LOVE LOVE these, and you will LOVE LOVE LOVE me for sharing them with you!!
O.k...I shared mine, it's your turn.  Bring on the oodles of noodles!  Link up, leave me some love, and let me know what you want to see here on Thursdays!  Amare Dalla Casa di Romano!