Spring’s Best: Easy Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta
Imagine springtime served on a plate – this vibrant pasta dish is exactly that! It’s the perfect way to utilize any leftover Easter ham, or simply made convenient with pre-packaged cubed ham. This delightful meal beautifully combines tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory protein, all coated in a bright, zesty lemon sauce. Light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful, you’ll fall in love with this Leftover Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta. What makes it even better? It’s completely free of gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, making it a fantastic top-8-allergen-free option that everyone can enjoy.
Why This Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta is a Must-Try
There’s something truly magical about the combination of fresh asparagus and the bright zing of lemon, and when paired with savory ham and comforting pasta, it transforms into an absolute springtime dream. For me, asparagus is a star ingredient, and its presence in any dish immediately grabs my attention. Add in flavorful, salty cubes of ham, a generous portion of gluten-free pasta, and then bathe it all in a light, luscious lemon sauce? That’s a recipe for instant culinary bliss!
This dish doesn’t just taste like spring; it feels like it. The vibrant green of the asparagus, the golden hues of the lemon-infused sauce, and the satisfying texture of the ham make it a seasonal highlight. It’s become a beloved staple in our home, gracing our dinner table throughout the warmer months of spring and summer. Its refreshing profile makes it ideal for those evenings when you want something comforting but not heavy.
As the name hints, this recipe is an ingenious solution for using up leftover ham from holiday feasts, especially after Easter. However, you don’t need a holiday as an excuse to enjoy this meal. If you don’t have a large ham available, or simply prefer convenience, grabbing some high-quality pre-packaged cubed ham (like Farmland Fully Cooked Diced Ham, for example) works perfectly and makes preparation a breeze. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that adapts to your schedule and ingredients.
Beyond its incredible taste and adaptability, this pasta dish boasts another major advantage: it’s entirely prepared on the stovetop. This means no need to heat up your kitchen with a hot oven, which is a blessing during those warmer spring and summer days. Even better, from start to finish, this delectable dinner can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – it’s a winning combination for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends!
Crafting This Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta Gluten-Free
For those of us navigating wheat and gluten sensitivities, transforming this dish into a completely gluten-free masterpiece is remarkably straightforward. The original recipe typically includes two main gluten-containing ingredients: pasta and flour. With simple substitutions, you can easily adapt this recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture, ensuring a safe and delicious meal for everyone at your table.
- For the Pasta: The key to a great gluten-free pasta dish lies in choosing the right type of pasta. We’ve had wonderful success with both Jovial and Barilla gluten-free pasta brands. For this recipe, short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne work best, as they effectively capture the creamy lemon sauce and bits of ham and asparagus. When cooking gluten-free pasta, always follow the package directions carefully, as cooking times can vary. Aim for an al dente texture to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- For the Gluten-Free Flour: A touch of flour helps thicken the luscious lemon sauce. You can confidently use my homemade gluten-free flour blend, which is designed to be free from common allergens, or opt for any high-quality store-bought all-purpose gluten-free blend you prefer. I generally lean towards blends that are a combination of rice, potato, and tapioca flours, as these tend to provide a smooth consistency without a gritty aftertaste. If a blend includes sorghum flour, I find it also performs beautifully in this type of sauce.
A crucial reminder for those with celiac disease or severe gluten allergies: always remain vigilant about hidden gluten. While most other ingredients in this recipe should naturally be gluten-free, it’s imperative to thoroughly read every single label on every product you use. This diligent practice ensures maximum safety and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful pasta dish without worry. If gluten is not a concern for you, feel free to use your preferred regular wheat pasta and all-purpose wheat flour.
Making This Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta Dairy-Free
Achieving a wonderfully creamy yet completely dairy-free sauce for this Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta is simpler than you might think. With just three key dairy-free substitutions, you can create a rich, satisfying flavor profile that rivals any traditional cream sauce. Let’s explore each swap in detail:
- Butter Substitute: For that essential buttery base, I highly recommend using Earth Balance Buttery Sticks. They melt beautifully and provide a fantastic flavor and texture that’s incredibly close to dairy butter. However, the market now offers a wide array of excellent vegan or dairy-free butter alternatives, so feel free to use your personal favorite. If you also need to avoid soy, Earth Balance offers a convenient soy-free version that works just as well.
- Milk Substitute: This is where you have some flexibility to tailor the sauce to your taste. You could opt for full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream for an extra rich and thick sauce. While delicious and adding a lovely mouthfeel, I sometimes prefer a flavor profile without any coconut notes, so I chose rice milk for this recipe. Rice milk is a fantastic option because, despite its thinner consistency (which is easily compensated for by the gluten-free flour thickener), it has a neutral taste that doesn’t overpower the delicate lemon and asparagus flavors, unlike some other milk alternatives. Other options like oat milk or unsweetened almond milk can also work, but always taste test to ensure they complement the lemon. You can always adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired sauce thickness – add more for a thinner sauce, or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese Substitute: To impart a savory, cheesy depth to the sauce without any dairy, nutritional yeast is your secret weapon. I understand that nutritional yeast isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and if it’s not yours, you can certainly omit it or substitute it with another favorite dairy-free grated cheese alternative. However, I find that nutritional yeast significantly enhances the umami flavor and also contributes to the sauce’s body, giving it a delightful “cheesy” richness, much like how it elevates my mac and cheese recipe. If you’re new to nutritional yeast and concerned about buying a larger quantity, rest assured! I have multiple recipes that cleverly incorporate nutritional yeast, so you’ll find plenty of ways to use it up. I believe you’ll discover its unique, savory qualities quickly.
For those who do not have dairy restrictions, simply use regular butter, cow’s milk, and grated Parmesan cheese as you normally would, and this recipe will be equally delicious.
Is This Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta Allergy-Friendly?
Absolutely, yes! One of the most wonderful aspects of this recipe is its incredible allergen-friendly profile. When prepared according to my specifications, this dish is meticulously crafted to be free from the top eight major allergens. This means it contains no wheat/gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish. This makes it an inclusive and joyous meal for families with multiple food sensitivities, allowing everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a delicious, worry-free pasta dish. More pasta for everyone to savor!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This delightful Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta makes fantastic leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy its bright flavors for days to come. To store, simply transfer any remaining pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will maintain its freshness and deliciousness for approximately 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until thoroughly warmed through. If the sauce seems a little thick or dry after refrigeration, you can add a small splash of dairy-free milk or even a bit of vegetable broth before reheating to restore its creamy consistency. This dish holds up remarkably well, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.
Explore More Gluten and Dairy-Free Pasta Recipes
You know my love for pasta dishes, especially those that are inclusive of dietary needs, runs deep! All of my featured pasta recipes are thoughtfully designed to be gluten, dairy, and egg-free, with clear guidance on how to reintroduce those ingredients if they aren’t a concern for you. Get ready for a season filled with incredible, allergy-friendly pasta creations! Here are some other favorites:
- Gluten and Dairy Free Tuscan Pasta Salad
- Gluten and Dairy Free Taco Pasta Salad
- Gluten and Dairy Free Avocado BLT Pasta Salad
- Gluten and Dairy Free Roasted Cauliflower Pasta Salad
- Gluten and Dairy Free Basil, Lemon and Avocado Creamy Pasta Salad
- Gluten and Dairy Free Roasted Cauliflower Pasta Salad
Watch the Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta Recipe Video!
Curious to see this deliciousness come together? You’re in luck! I’ve put together a quick and engaging Tiktok video that offers a fantastic visual overview of the entire cooking process. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for getting a general idea of how to whip up this recipe. Enjoy watching!
@allergyawesomenessHam, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta that’s ##glutenfree & ##dairyfree. ##allergyfriendly ##foodallergymom♬ Baby Work It – Your Favourite Garçon
Leftover Ham, Asparagus & Lemon Pasta (Gluten & Dairy Free!)
5-6 servings
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
If springtime were a pasta dish, this would be it! Great for using up leftover Easter ham, or simplify by just buying packaged cubed ham. This dish has your pasta, veggies and protein all wrapped up in a yummy lemon sauce. Bright, light and delicious you’ll love this Leftover Ham Asparagus & Lemon Pasta that’s free of: gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanut and tree nuts, making it top-8-free as well!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gluten-free short pasta
- 1-2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Half a bunch of asparagus, chopped
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 Package Pre Cubed Ham, about 1-2 Cups (or leftover ham, cubed)
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
CREAM SAUCE
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 Tablespoon gluten-free all purpose flour (see post above)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 Cup Rice milk
- 1/4 Cup nutritional yeast
- Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta according to directions for al dente, drain and set aside.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and add the asparagus and 1 teaspoon garlic salt.
Stir until asparagus is cooked, but not soggy. Move to a plate and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and place your cubed ham. Cook until the ham begins to brown and caramelize. Remove it to the plate with the asparagus.
To the empty skillet, add the butter and once melted, quickly whisk in the garlic powder and flour until combined.
Add the rice milk, nutritional yeast, lemon zest and lemon juice and continue to whisk until it begins to thicken.
Taste and then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the asparagus and ham back in the skillet along with the drained pasta and peas. Toss to coat and serve warm.
(This sauce soaks into the pasta, so if you prefer a more wet pasta, feel free to double the sauce.)
Notes
If you’re looking for some gluten and dairy free dinners, check out my cookbook: An Allergy Mom’s Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook.
*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested yearly, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family.
**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.
Adapted from: Ohsweetbasil
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 236Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 699mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 10g
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