Heart-Healthy Creamy Ham Pasta
Indulge in the perfect fusion of comfort and nutrition with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Ham Pasta recipe. Crafted with whole grain pasta and featuring lean diced ham, this dish balances wholesome flavors with a lighter twist, making it ideal for anyone seeking a healthier meal option. The creamy sauce is made from protein-packed plain Greek yogurt and infused with sautéed garlic, fresh baby spinach, and vibrant cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrients. Slow-simmered with low-sodium chicken broth and finished with grated Parmesan and fragrant basil, this pasta delivers a satisfying texture and bold flavor without excess fat or sodium. Ready in just 35 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering both simplicity and heart-conscious goodness. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams whole grain pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 150 grams lean ham, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 grams baby spinach
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced lean ham and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt, mixing well to create a creamy sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta completely in the creamy sauce.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1295 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.1 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.9 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 4081 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.4 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.6 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.3 g | ||
| Protein | 98.6 g | 197% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1027 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1708 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
