Fettuccine Alfredo

1 pound fettuccine

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup small diced smoked cured ham (optional)

½ cup finely chopped yellow onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 cups heavy cream

½ cup green peas, defrosted if frozen (optional)

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
2. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon of the salt. Return to boil an cook pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking, about 10 to 12 minutes
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter and heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the ham, if desired, and cook stirring for 1 minute.
5. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes
6. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring for 30 seconds.
7. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook until the volume is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. If desired, add the peas. Add the remaining teaspoon of salt and the pepper, and stir well.
8. Using oven mitts or pot holder, drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink and place the pasta in a large bowl.
9. Pour the sauce over the pasta. Add the cheese and toss to coat.
10. If desired, add the parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste.
11. Serve immediately.

We made this in our cooking class today, it was so good! We left out the ham and peas though and let whoever wanted to add them put them on themselves at the end. It was so good! Also really easy! You could also just grill some chicken to put on top that would be really yummy