Creamy Dijon Pasta With Vegetables
Creamy Dijon Pasta With Vegetables is a comforting dish featuring tender pasta, flavorful mustard, ham or chicken, and a medley of vegetables, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. fusilli or tubular pasta ⓘ
- 6 oz. cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or chicken ⓘ
- 16 oz. frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 4 1/2 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fusilli until just tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Add cream cheese and milk to the pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until cream cheese is melted and well blended with milk.
- Add pasta and toss to coat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, cooked diced ham or chicken, thawed and drained vegetables, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very hot and crisp-tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Serve topped with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a combination of cream cheese and sour cream. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the ham or chicken. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, which can also enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Dijon pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a side dish to accompany dishes like Broccoli-Chicken Quiche. A light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the pasta nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Stir frequently until heated through for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Dijon Pasta With Vegetables contains roughly 732 calories, with 20g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2563mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen ones. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding to the pasta to ensure they are tender and flavorful. Broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower are great choices that will maintain their texture in the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this creamy Dijon pasta vegetarian, simply omit the ham or chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also include plant-based protein sources like chickpeas or tofu to enhance the dish's heartiness without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor to the dish, making it suitable for vegan diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).