1 1/2 cups small shell pasta uncooked

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup diced ham

1 cup diced cojack or cheddar cheese

3/4 cup creamy, low fat ranch dressing

In large pot of boiling water, cook pasta until tender according to package directions. Place peas in colander and drain cooked pasta over the peas to thaw. Rinse, cool and drain well. Combined diced ham and cheese in large bowl and stir in pasta, peas and dressing. Chill 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Helpful hints: Pasta needs to cook in boiling water so don’t turn down the heat after adding the pasta unless the pot looks like it will boil over. When boiling pasta use a pot larger than you would normally choose to prevent a mess.

Drain the pasta an peas and pat dry with a clean paper towel to remove excess water. Mix all the ingredients together and chill before serving for the most flavor.

Courtesy of LSU AgCenter