Ham and Broccoli Pasta

Ham and Broccoli Pasta

Classification: Gluten-Free • High-Protein • Family-Friendly • Autism-Friendly

Looking for a comforting gluten-free pasta recipe, easy high-protein dinner, or a creamy family meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? This Ham and Broccoli Pasta combines tender gluten-free penne, smoky nitrate-free ham, fresh broccoli, garlic, onion, cream, Dijon mustard, and melted cheddar cheese into a rich, satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

At Nutrition by Angie, we believe family favourites can be both comforting and nourishing. This creamy gluten-free pasta is packed with protein and vegetables while using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Benefits of the Main Ingredients

Gluten-Free Penne Pasta

Gluten-free penne provides a hearty, satisfying base while making this recipe suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

Broccoli

Broccoli is naturally rich in vitamins C and K, folate, fibre, potassium, and antioxidants. It adds freshness, colour, and valuable nutrients while balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.

Onion

Onion provides natural sweetness and depth of flavour while supplying fibre, vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds.

Garlic

Garlic adds rich savoury flavour and contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that complement both the ham and cheese.

Nitrate-Free Ham

Good-quality nitrate-free ham provides complete protein while supplying vitamin B12, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Choosing nitrate-free ham helps reduce unnecessary preservatives while maintaining excellent flavour.

Cream

Cream creates a rich, velvety sauce while contributing calcium, vitamin A, and a luxurious texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds gentle tanginess that balances the creamy sauce and enhances the savoury flavour of the ham.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, providing rich flavour along with protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Ham and Broccoli Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavour. The tender broccoli adds freshness while the smoky ham and cheddar create a rich sauce that coats every piece of gluten-free pasta. Naturally gluten-free and high in protein, it's a quick dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Whether you're looking for a healthy gluten-free pasta recipe, easy family dinner, high-protein meal, or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a regular favourite.

Autism-Friendly Benefits

The soft pasta and creamy sauce provide familiar, predictable textures that many autistic individuals may find comforting. The broccoli can be cooked until very tender or finely chopped, and each ingredient can be served separately if preferred. Ham provides high-quality protein, while broccoli contributes vitamin C and fibre. The dairy ingredients add calcium to support healthy bones and teeth. As every autistic individual has unique sensory preferences, the recipe can easily be customised to suit individual needs.

Tip

Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Finish with extra grated cheddar, fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for additional flavour. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency, making this a great meal-prep option for busy weekdays.