Heart-Healthy Cheesy Baked Pasta

Indulge in a guilt-free comfort food classic with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Baked Pasta, a wholesome twist on traditional baked pasta dishes. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like whole grain pasta, vibrant red bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh spinach, this recipe delivers a delicious medley of flavors while prioritizing your well-being. A velvety combination of reduced-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses creates a creamy, cheesy layer, while fragrant garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil infuse the dish with a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Baked to golden bubbly perfection in just under an hour, this nutritious, low-sodium dinner is ideal for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing meals. Dig into this satisfying, heart-smart casserole and savor every bite while nourishing your body.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Whole grain pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Zucchini, diced
• 3 cups Baby spinach leaves
• 1 can Low-sodium diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 5

Add diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 6

Add baby spinach to the skillet and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the can of low-sodium diced tomatoes and season with Italian seasoning and black pepper.

Step 8

Simmer the vegetable mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 9

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetable mixture, and reduced-fat ricotta cheese. Mix well until the ricotta is evenly distributed.

Step 10

Spread the pasta and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 11

Sprinkle the top with shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.

Step 12

Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 13

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 14

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.

Step 15

Allow to cool slightly, then serve immediately. Enjoy your heart-healthy cheesy baked pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1438.1 grams (1438.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1428

Total Fat 76.10g	98%
Saturated Fat 33.10g	166%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 160mg	53%
Sodium 1321mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate 113.30g	41%
Dietary Fiber 23.00g	82%
Total Sugars 32.40g
Protein 86.30g	173%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1911mg	147%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 2485mg	53%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.2%

Protein: 23.3%

Carbs: 30.6%