Low Fat Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Savor the comforting flavors of our Low Fat Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce, a wholesome and guilt-free twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat penne and a vibrant, slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a medley of Italian herbs, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese elevate every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights, this low-fat pasta recipe is a satisfying, family-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. Serve it as a hearty main course or pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, finely chop one medium onion and mince three large garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Stir in the 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes, followed by one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, and 0.5 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Step 6

Season the sauce with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Step 10

Finely chop two tablespoons of fresh parsley and sprinkle over the pasta for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 11

Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1354.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1742.4

Total Fat 29.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 22.2mg	0%
Sodium 2345.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.2g	0%
Total Sugars 52.5g
Protein 64.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 641.9mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 4531.5mg	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: 15.0%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 70.5%