Low Fat Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Indulge guilt-free with this Low Fat Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce, a creamy and satisfying dish perfect for healthier weeknight dinners. Made with wholesome whole wheat penne pasta and a velvety sauce crafted from low-fat cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe combines balanced nutrition with delicious flavor. The sauce is thickened through a simple roux of olive oil and all-purpose flour, while the addition of garlic, parsley, and a touch of seasoning brings a fragrant, gourmet touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this low-calorie pasta dish pairs comfort with convenience, making it a standout choice for anyone seeking lighter meal options without sacrificing taste. Ideal for serving a family of four, this recipe ensures each bite delivers maximum flavor with a fraction of the guilt!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Low-fat milk
- 1 cup Low-fat cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, minced, and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually add the low sodium chicken broth and low-fat milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and stir in the low-fat cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine the cooked penne pasta and cheese sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve immediately, and enjoy your low-fat penne pasta with cheese sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1817 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.3 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.0 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 79 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 2904 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 272.9 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.1 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.9 g | ||
| Protein | 92.0 g | 184% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1511 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1892 mg | 40% | |
*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.
