If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham. At 490 calories per serving, this dish is a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

This delicious pasta dish is packed with nutrients: it contains 28 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce and tender chunks of ham, it's a meal that's sure to satisfy your hunger while providing the nourishment your body needs.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham, as well as provide you with a step-by-step recipe to make it at home.

Calories in Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

One serving of Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham contains 490 calories. To put that in perspective, a person following a typical 2000 calorie diet should consume about 500-700 calories per meal, depending on their activity level. If you're looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, be mindful of your portion size when enjoying this delicious meal.

Fat Content in Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

One serving of Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham contains 20 grams of fat, 8 grams of which are saturated fat. While some sources recommend limiting saturated fat intake to reduce the risk of heart disease, moderate amounts of healthy fats like those found in olive oil and nuts can actually be beneficial for overall health. In addition to providing energy, fats are important for cell growth and development, hormone production, and nutrient absorption.

Protein in Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

One serving of Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham contains 28 grams of protein. Protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy bones and muscles. Including sources of protein in your diet, like ham and cheese, can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal and can also support weight management.

Carbohydrate Content in Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

One serving of Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham contains 35 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are important for brain function and muscle movement. Choosing whole grain sources of carbohydrates, like whole wheat pasta, can also provide additional fiber and other important nutrients.

Vitamins and Minerals in Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, iron supports healthy red blood cell production and energy levels, and vitamin A plays a role in vision, immune function, and skin health. Including a variety of nutrient-dense foods in your diet, like the ham and cheese in this dish, can help you meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs.

Ingredients in Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

To make Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham, you'll need: 1 pound of cheese tortellini, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Asiago cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 cup of diced ham. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes by swapping in different types of cheese or adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For a lower calorie and lower fat version of this dish, you can use low-fat milk or milk alternatives, such as almond or soy milk, and reduce the amount of cheese and butter.

How to Make Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly. 3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

Health Benefits of Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

Not only is Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham a delicious and satisfying meal, it also provides a range of important nutrients that can benefit your health. By including lean protein sources like ham and cheese in your diet, you can support healthy muscle growth and repair as well as weight management. The carbohydrates in the pasta provide energy for the body and can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal, while the calcium and vitamin A in the cheese can support strong bones and healthy immune function.

Alternative Ingredients for Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

While ham and cheese are a delicious combination in this dish, you can easily swap them out for other protein sources or cheeses to suit your taste preferences. For example, you could use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of ham, or swap in different types of cheese such as feta, mozzarella, or blue cheese. You can also experiment with adding extra vegetables, like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers, to make the dish even more nutrient-dense and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham

Creamy Three Cheese Tortellini with Ham is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. For a simple and satisfying meal, serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. You could also add some extra veggies to the sauce, like asparagus or mushrooms, to make it even more filling and nutritious.