In reading others recipes you learn tricks. The one I picked up and use the most is from Nigella where you cook the peas with the pasta. It adds flavor to the water so if you are using it in this dish to thin it out you get that layered taste. This is a great dish for a quick meal but is elegant enough to serve to guests with a salad and crusty bread.

Pasta with Ham and Peas
prep time 15 min
cooking time 20 min 

Ingredients
1 13.5 oz pkg rotini pasta (I used the tri color)
salt
1 cups frozen peas
1 8 oz pkg mushrooms sliced
1/2 cup half &half or cream
1/4 – 1/2 cup cream cheese w/ chives
1/2 – 1 cup diced ham
2-4 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

In a pot of salted boiling water add pasta. About 5 minutes into the cooking of the pasta add the peas. This should allow for approximately 5 minutes to cook the peas. Drain pasta and peas and set aside. In emptied pot add 1 tbsp olive oil or butter and saute mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes. Add ham and heat thru. Stir in cream cheese and cream blending until nice and smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and blend. Add pasta and toss to coat. The cheeses add salt so salt this dish sparingly. Add pepper to taste and serve .