Heart-Healthy Creamy Ham Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Ham Pasta, a delicious fusion of comfort and smart nutrition! Featuring whole grain pasta tossed in a luscious, guilt-free sauce made with plain Greek yogurt and low-sodium chicken broth, this dish delivers creamy indulgence without heavy cream. Lean diced ham, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and nutrient-packed baby spinach add a burst of flavor and color, while fresh basil and Parmesan cheese create an irresistible, gourmet finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy families looking to enjoy a wholesome meal packed with protein, fiber, and heart-healthy ingredients. Pair it with a fresh side salad or crusty whole-grain bread for a satisfying, balanced dinner you’ll feel good about serving.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced lean ham and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Lower the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt, mixing well to create a creamy sauce.

Step 8

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta completely in the creamy sauce.

Step 10

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1327.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1294.8

Total Fat 59.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 149.5mg	0%
Sodium 4081.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.6g	0%
Total Sugars 19.3g
Protein 98.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1026.9mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 1708.5mg	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: 39.3%

Protein: 29.2%

Carbs: 31.5%