Light, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Low Fat Ham and Sour Cream Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner for those seeking a healthier twist on comfort food. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a velvety sauce made with low-fat sour cream, this dish shines with the savory goodness of lean cooked ham, aromatic sautéed garlic and onion, and a touch of fresh parsley. A hint of Parmesan cheese adds just the right amount of indulgence without overwhelming the low-fat focus. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for busy households looking to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for fans of creamy pasta who want to keep it light and nutritious!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Dice the lean cooked ham into small cubes. Finely chop the garlic and onion. Roughly chop the fresh parsley.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and heat through.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the low-fat sour cream, reserved pasta water, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and a creamy sauce has formed.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to ensure the pasta is well heated and absorbs the flavors.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley or a pinch of black pepper for presentation.
Calories |
1626 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.7 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 3296 mg | 143% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 217.2 g | 79% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.2 g | ||
| Protein | 83.0 g | 166% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 577 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1823 mg | 39% | |
*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.