Low Fat Cheesy Baked Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Low Fat Cheesy Baked Pasta, a healthier spin on a classic favorite that's perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe features whole grain pasta coated in a creamy blend of low fat ricotta, non-fat Greek yogurt, and a hint of seasonings, all layered with fresh spinach and low-sodium marinara sauce. The dish is topped with a melty mix of part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan, delivering cheesy goodness without the extra calories. With only 20 minutes of prep time and baked to golden perfection in under an hour, this guilt-free baked pasta offers a hearty, nutritious meal for the whole family. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil for a flavorful touch, and enjoy every bite of this satisfying, low-fat comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain pasta
• 1 cup low fat ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium marinara sauce
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the low fat ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, and egg. Stir until smooth.

Step 4

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Mix well.

Step 5

Gently fold in the chopped spinach until well incorporated.

Step 6

In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and gently stir until the pasta is well coated.

Step 8

Layer the pasta mixture over the marinara sauce in the baking dish.

Step 9

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta and evenly distribute the part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Remove from the oven and allow the pasta to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 13

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1563.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1659.0

Total Fat 65.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 404.4mg	0%
Sodium 3210.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.6g	0%
Total Sugars 34.9g
Protein 114.5g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 2111.2mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 3262.8mg	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: 34.1%

Protein: 26.6%

Carbs: 39.2%