Keto Baked Penne Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with this Keto Baked Penne Pasta, a low-carb twist on a classic favorite! Instead of traditional pasta, nutrient-packed zucchini noodles take center stage, creating a wholesome and satisfying base. Layered with a rich, savory meat sauce seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, this dish is perfectly balanced with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this keto-friendly casserole is an excellent option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal prep idea. Ready in just under an hour, this gluten-free and low-carb masterpiece is garnished with fresh basil for a fragrant, restaurant-quality finish. Transform your pasta night with this guilt-free, flavorful delight that’s easy, hearty, and so delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium Zucchini
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 14 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles from the zucchini and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4

Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 7

In an oven-safe baking dish, layer half of the zucchini noodles on the bottom.

Step 8

Spread half of the meat sauce over the zucchini noodles.

Step 9

Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce, and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2041.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2473.7

Total Fat 172.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 75.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 579.8mg	0%
Sodium 9927.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 59.3g
Protein 156.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2563.9mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 3841.5mg	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: 60.6%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 15.0%