Low Fat Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese
Indulge in a comforting, guilt-free dish with our Low Fat Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Cheese recipe. Featuring hearty whole wheat penne, a rich homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this dish is a flavor-packed delight that's light on the calories. Topped with creamy, melted low-fat mozzarella and fresh basil, it strikes the perfect balance between health-conscious and indulgent. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave wholesome, satisfying Italian comfort food. Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a crisp green salad, this low-fat pasta dish is a surefire hit for the entire family.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup, shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions or until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the freshly chopped basil and stir to incorporate.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve the low-fat penne pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1897 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.9 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2088 mg | 91% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 297.8 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.2 g | 133% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.6 g | ||
| Protein | 87.3 g | 175% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 981 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 17.4 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 3419 mg | 73% | |
*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.
