Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy comfort of "Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce," a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat penne, a luscious reduced-fat cheddar cheese sauce, and a boost of fresh baby spinach, this recipe is packed with flavor and heart-smart ingredients. The silky cheese sauce, thickened with whole-wheat flour and low-fat milk, perfectly coats every bite of pasta without compromising on healthfulness. A hint of Dijon mustard adds a tangy flair, while freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley bring a vibrant finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights or anyone seeking a nutritious yet indulgent dish. Try this delicious, heart-healthy recipe today and make healthy eating a flavorful affair!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups Baby spinach
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup Low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons Whole-wheat flour
- 1 cup Reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, pour the vegetable broth and milk, whisk in the whole-wheat flour until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the reduced-fat cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Step 6
Return the cooked pasta and wilted spinach to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 7
Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Step 8
Serve immediately, enjoying this nutritious and heart-healthy dish.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (941.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1479.3 |
| Total Fat 44.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 17.1g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 79.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1742.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 196.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 20.5g | |
| Protein 72.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 124.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1312.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1513.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories