Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this healthy and flavorful Low Fat Baked Penne Pasta recipe. Perfectly al dente whole-wheat penne is tossed in a rich homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and a medley of aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Fresh baby spinach adds a burst of nutrients, while creamy low-fat ricotta and gooey low-fat mozzarella create a decadent yet guilt-free bake. This delicious dish is easy to prepare, taking just 20 minutes of prep time, and is baked to golden perfection in your oven. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this low-fat pasta recipe is a comforting, wholesome crowd-pleaser that serves up to four. Enjoy satisfying your cravings without compromising on health!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine the cooked penne with the sauce in the skillet and mix in the low-fat ricotta cheese until well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated low-fat mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Let the baked penne rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your low-fat baked penne pasta warm!
Calories |
1932 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.9 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 130 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 3374 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 274.6 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.1 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.1 g | ||
| Protein | 99.3 g | 199% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1558 mg | 120% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2215 mg | 47% | |
*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.