Pasta with creamy spinach and ham sauce is a cozy, comforting meal that tastes great on a cold winter night.
Some days just seem to require a little comfort food, especially in the winter time. But it’s the new year, so maybe you don’t want to go all out – you still want to keep it healthy-ish. So how about a lighter dish? Like pasta in a creamy, dairy free sauce with spinach and ham.
This pasta is the perfect somewhat lighter solution. It’s not too heavy or rich, but it still has that creaminess from the coconut milk. If you’re avoiding dairy and gluten, this is the pasta for you!
We made this on a chilly day last month, and it was eaten in no time flat. It’s one of those dishes that you keep going back for a little bit more, and a little bit more, until it’s all gone. I made this with ham, but it would also be very tasty with bacon instead. (Hey, all the spinach balances out the bacon, right?) ;)
See that pretty curly pasta up there? I picked up a bag of gluten free fusilli from Aldi the other day, and I used it in this recipe.
This was actually my first experience with Aldi’s gluten free pasta. It was so good! I was very impressed with the way that it held its shape, and the flavor and texture were very good. Any brand will work of course, and if you aren’t gluten free, just use your regular pasta.
This pasta with creamy spinach and ham sauce would be ideal for a cozy weekend filled with lots of relaxing and Netflix binge-watching. Just an idea for you. :)
Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Ham Sauce.
This pasta with creamy spinach and ham sauce is a cozy and comforting meal that's dairy free and gluten free.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach about 1 1/2 cups
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 15 ounces full fat coconut milk
- 2 Tablespoons vegan buttery spread
- 3/4 cup ham chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- red pepper flakes optional
- 10 ounces gluten free pasta I used fusilli
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package directions.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and the chopped onion in a medium sized pot. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 7 minutes.
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Add the garlic powder and vegan buttery spread to the onion and stir. Add the spinach and stir until it is cooked through.
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Add the can of full fat coconut milk, the cooked ham, salt and pepper, and simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
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Put cooked pasta in bowls and top with sauce before serving.
If you love comforting pasta recipes, try this dairy free pasta with creamy kale sauce.
Follow along:
Amazing ! The combination of the sweet coconut milk, bitter spinach and spicy red pepper flakes is a winner !
I actually used 2c of thick ham chunks, a sm Red onion and added 4c of Fresh baby spinach at #4
Also Gemelli pasta – al dente – as it is a bit denser of a pasta
So Good !
A great tasty meal
This really does look like a perfect, cozy, comfort-food dish (for Netflix binges – haha!) with the huge benefit of being a little lighter and healthier! Bonus! And thanks for the tip on Aldi’s gluten-free pasta! We have an Aldi’s pretty nearby, but I’ve never tried that pasta – thanks for the heads-up!
It’s worth seeking out, because it’s good, and it’s cheap!
Oh my gosh, those spiraaaaaals! It’s been far too long since I’ve made pasta, so I’ll have to pick up some of that gf fuseli and do as Kelly does! I’m loving this creamy-spinachy-hammy combo and am totally up for a pasta and Netflix binge. Bring on the weekend!
Pasta is such a comfort food for me! Enjoy!