Dairy-Free Creamy Ham Pasta

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Dairy-Free Creamy Ham Pasta—a comforting, gluten-free dinner option that’s perfect for weeknights. This recipe features tender gluten-free pasta cloaked in a luscious, dairy-free sauce made with creamy coconut milk, almond milk, and a touch of nutritional yeast for cheesy depth. Diced cooked ham adds a hearty, savory element, while aromatics like sautéed onion and garlic bring mouthwatering complexity. Thickened with a cornstarch slurry and brightened by a splash of lemon juice, this dish achieves the perfect balance of creamy and tangy without any dairy. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes, it’s a quick, 30-minute recipe that’s both allergy-friendly and bursting with flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces gluten-free pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the diced ham and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, almond milk, nutritional yeast, and cornstarch until smooth.

Step 6

Pour the milk mixture into the skillet with the ham, onions, and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 7

As the mixture begins to thicken, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the creamy ham sauce.

Step 10

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1326.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1928.3

Total Fat 107.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 137.5mg	0%
Sodium 5616.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 170.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.3g	0%
Total Sugars 21.1g
Protein 86.2g	0%

Vitamin D 87.8IU	0%
Calcium 692.2mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 2601.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 34.1%