Ham and Broccoli Pasta

Ham & Broccoli Pasta

This Ham & Broccoli Pasta is the perfect example of how comforting, creamy dishes can still be simple, balanced, and completely gluten-free. It’s a quick, nourishing meal that brings together tender gluten-free pasta, fresh broccoli, savoury ham, and a light cream sauce infused with garlic, onion, Dijon mustard, and melted cheddar. Every bite is creamy, cosy, and full of flavour — without feeling heavy.

This recipe is ideal for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a wholesome, satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. The broccoli adds colour and nutrients, the ham provides a savoury protein boost, and the creamy mustard sauce ties everything together with a rich yet refreshing flavour. It’s comfort food made lighter, cleaner, and suitable for gluten-free living.

It also stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep, next-day lunches, or batch cooking. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or a child-friendly meal, this pasta ticks all the boxes: quick, nourishing, full of flavour, and naturally family-approved.

Ingredient Benefits

Gluten-Free Penne Pasta

Gluten-free pasta allows you to enjoy classic comfort dishes without digestive discomfort. Depending on the blend, it can provide fibre and steady energy while remaining gentle on the gut. It’s ideal for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or anyone reducing gluten for improved digestion and inflammation control.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fibre, and sulforaphane — a plant compound known for supporting detoxification, hormone balance, and anti-inflammatory pathways. It adds freshness, crunch, and colour while supporting gut health and immune function.

Onion

Onions bring natural sweetness and depth of flavour. They contain antioxidants like quercetin, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation. Onions also feed beneficial gut bacteria, helping digestion and immune balance.

Garlic

Garlic provides a bold aromatic base and offers powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It supports heart health, immunity, and digestion thanks to its active compound, allicin.

Cooked Ham

Ham is an easy, protein-rich ingredient that helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance and repair. It adds savoury flavour and pairs beautifully with creamy sauces. Choosing lean, good-quality ham helps keep the dish balanced in fats and sodium.

Fat-Reduced Cream

Using a lower-fat cream keeps the sauce silky and satisfying while reducing overall saturated fat — ideal for heart health and genetics-sensitive individuals such as those with the APOA2-CC variant. It provides creaminess without heaviness.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon adds brightness, acidity, and a subtle heat that lifts the whole sauce. It’s rich in antioxidants and minerals while enhancing flavour without the need for extra salt. Its acidity also helps digestion and balances creamy ingredients beautifully.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar adds richness, depth, and that perfect melty finish. It provides calcium, protein, and fat-soluble vitamins like A and K2. A modest amount brings big flavour, making the dish comforting while still balanced.