Heart-Healthy Creamy Cheese and Vegetable Pasta
Indulge in the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and comfort with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Cheese and Vegetable Pasta. Featuring whole-grain pasta, sautéed fresh veggies like spinach, zucchini, and red bell pepper, and a velvety, low-fat cream cheese sauce enriched with Parmesan, this dish delivers richness without guilt. Finished with a hint of lemon juice and aromatic fresh basil, it’s packed with heart-friendly ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil and low-sodium vegetable broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome pasta recipe is ideal for busy nights while satisfying your cravings for a creamy, indulgent meal. Perfect for anyone seeking a nourishing, comforting dish with an elevated twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-grain pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the julienned red bell pepper and sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the low-fat cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy cheese sauce.
Season with black pepper, salt, and lemon juice for added flavor.
Top with fresh basil before serving and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1247 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.9 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.6 g | 163% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 2651 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.4 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.8 g | ||
| Protein | 58.5 g | 117% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1213 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1466 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
