Low Fat Penne with Meat Sauce
Satisfy your cravings without guilt with this flavorful Low Fat Penne with Meat Sauce, a hearty dish that combines whole wheat penne with a rich tomato-based sauce made from extra-lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic dried herbs. Perfect for health-conscious eaters, this recipe uses olive oil and a touch of low-sodium chicken broth to keep the sauce light yet robust, while the addition of parsley and Parmesan cheese offers a vibrant finish. Ready in just an hour, this protein-packed pasta makes an excellent weeknight dinner idea that’s both wholesome and delicious. Keywords: low fat penne, healthy meat sauce, whole wheat pasta recipe, quick dinner ideas, lean beef pasta dish.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 lb Extra-lean ground beef (96% lean)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Carrot, diced
- 1 medium Celery stalk, diced
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the extra-lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, and mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the meat sauce, and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly.
To serve, divide the pasta and sauce among plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2316 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 304 mg | 101% | |
| Sodium | 3040 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 324.0 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.2 g | 169% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.0 g | ||
| Protein | 166.6 g | 333% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 871 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 34.0 mg | 189% | |
| Potassium | 7096 mg | 151% | |
*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.
