Heart-Healthy Cheesy Vegetable Pasta

Savor the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy indulgence and wholesome nutrition with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Vegetable Pasta. Made with fiber-rich whole wheat penne, sautéed vibrant veggies like zucchini, broccoli, and spinach, and a light, tangy cheese blend of low-fat ricotta and Parmesan, this dish delivers comfort food satisfaction without compromising your health goals. Infused with the bright flavors of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes, and finished with fragrant basil, this quick, 35-minute recipe is both nutrient-packed and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this vegetarian pasta dish is a heart-conscious way to delight in cheesy goodness while boosting your daily veggie intake.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1.5 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4

Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.

Step 5

Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 6

Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and have formed a light sauce.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the cheesy vegetable sauce.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.

Step 10

Serve the heart-healthy cheesy vegetable pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1253.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1544.3

Total Fat 55.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 87.1mg	0%
Sodium 1787.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 196.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.3g	0%
Total Sugars 21.0g
Protein 69.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1074.7mg	0%
Iron 13.9mg	0%
Potassium 2483.6mg	0%

*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: 31.8%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 50.4%