Heart-Healthy Spinach and Cheese Pasta
Savor the perfect marriage of comfort and nutrition with our Heart-Healthy Spinach and Cheese Pasta! This wholesome dish features whole-grain penne or fusilli tossed in a creamy, yet light sauce made with low-fat ricotta and Parmesan cheese, infused with garlic and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. Packed with nutrient-rich baby spinach and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, this pasta is elevated with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a zesty finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste. Garnish with extra basil or Parmesan for a delightful, nutritious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect keywords: heart-healthy pasta recipe, spinach and cheese pasta, easy whole-grain pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Whole-grain pasta (penne or fusilli preferred)
- 6 cups Baby spinach (fresh)
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Low-fat ricotta cheese
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
Gradually add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently. Allow the spinach to wilt, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the low-fat ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta cooking water. Mix until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Stir in the fresh basil, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1964 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.5 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.9 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 114 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 3085 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.4 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.9 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.0 g | ||
| Protein | 89.9 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1246 mg | 96% | |
| Iron | 20.4 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 2820 mg | 60% | |
*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.
