Ranch Ham 'N' Cheese Pasta

By melanieroe

10 Servings
Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Nutritional Analysis: 1 cup equals 306 calories, 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 612 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 20 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta (rotini instead MJR)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup (8 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream
• 2 cups cubed fully cooked lean ham
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a Dutch oven, melt butter; whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and seasonings. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Reduce heat; fold in sour cream until blended. Add ham and pasta; cook and stir until heated through. Remove from the heat; stir in Mexican cheese blend until melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Yield: 10 servings.