Low Fat Cheesy Baked Penne

Indulge guilt-free with this Low Fat Cheesy Baked Penne, a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food! Made with nutritious whole wheat penne, vibrant veggies like zucchini and red bell pepper, and a rich blend of low-fat ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this hearty baked pasta dish is both satisfying and waistline-friendly. A fragrant tomato and herb sauce, seasoned with oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, brings bold Italian flavors to every bite. Ready in just an hour, this easy recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Serve it straight from the oven with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a cozy, balanced meal that’s sure to please. Whether you're health-conscious or simply love a good pasta bake, this comforting dish checks all the boxes!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Mince the garlic and chop the onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini into small pieces.

Step 5

Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 8

In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the tomato and vegetable sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 10

Drop spoonfuls of the low-fat ricotta over the pasta evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 11

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

Step 12

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

Step 13

Let the baked penne cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, low-fat cheesy baked penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1684.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2522.3

Total Fat 91.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g
Cholesterol 241.2mg	0%
Sodium 6897.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 276.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.0g	0%
Total Sugars 48.1g
Protein 144.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2439.5mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 3330.0mg	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: 32.7%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 44.2%