Comforting Dairy Free Loaded Ham and Cheese Pasta
Nothing says comfort food like creamy sauce hugging pasta. Throw in ham and peas and you have a hug in a bowl. This Comforting Dairy Free Loaded Ham and Cheese Pasta is food that not only nourishes the body, but also soul.
Ham is sometimes the gift that keeps on giving. Leftovers wind up in sandwiches, omelets, casseroles, and soup. This comfort meal is a perfect way to use up leftovers, but equally as good with your favorite ham steak or cubed ham.
Sassy and Saucy
Because this sauce is Gluten Free it comes together quickly making it an ideal weeknight meal. There’s no need to stand over the stove and babysit a roux. All of your Dairy Free cheeses are added to the pot along with Dairy Free heavy cream and sour cream and gently melted. You’re going to add a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken it up and give it that velvety texture.
This sauce gets a one two punch of bold flavor from Dijon mustard and mustard powder. Onion and garlic powders also add a depth of flavor.
For the combination of cheeses in Comforting Dairy Free Load Ham and Cheese Pasta I am using feta and parmesan. Violife 100% vegan cheeses not only bring the flavor but also melt into that creamy comforting texture that makes this sauce irresistible. Dairy Free cream cheese can also be substituted for the feta.
Once the sauce itself comes together it’s just a matter of adding your peas, pasta, and ham! It truly is that quick and easy and a one pot meal.
Putting the Ham in Comforting Loaded Ham and Cheese Pasta
Regardless of what you’re making ingredients matter. But especially when it comes to quick and easy recipes.
For this dish I am using Niman Ranch ham. Gluten Free, no nitrates or nitrites added, hormone free, and certified humane, they make products you can feel good about serving your family and friends. Slow smoked over Applewood, the sweet yet subtle fruity flavor of real smoke shines through.
Love pasta? Make sure you check out my recipe for Gluten Free Bruschetta Chicken Feta Pasta. Now let’s get cooking!
Comforting Dairy Free Loaded Ham and Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- Stock Pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz Dairy Free feta (may sub with Dairy Free cream cheese)
- 1 cup Dairy Free Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Dairy Free heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Dairy Free sour cream
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Slurry, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/8 cup water
- 2 cups ham, cubed
- 1 cup peas
- 1 pkg pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- In a stock pot over medium heat add the Dairy Free feta, parmesan, heavy cream, sour cream, and seasonings. Bring to a low simmer and stir until cheese is fully melted.
- Add the slurry and stir until the sauce is thickened.
- Add the ham, peas, and pasta. Stir to combine. Enjoy!