Low Fat Penne with Meat Sauce

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and wholesome Low Fat Penne with Meat Sauce, a lighter twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring fiber-packed whole wheat penne and a savory meat sauce made with extra-lean ground beef, this recipe combines rich, robust flavors with a health-conscious touch. The sauce is infused with aromatic garlic, tender diced vegetables, and a blend of dried oregano and basil, simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth for a guilt-free indulgence. Ready in just an hour and packed with protein, this dish is perfect for feeding a family or prepping meals for the week. Garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this satisfying pasta creation is both flavorful and nutritious, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious low-fat dinner option.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 lb Extra-lean ground beef (96% lean)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 medium Celery stalk, diced
• 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the extra-lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, and mix well to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 7

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne pasta to the meat sauce, and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

To serve, divide the pasta and sauce among plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2278.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2316.3

Total Fat 45.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 303.5mg	0%
Sodium 3039.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 324.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.2g	0%
Total Sugars 61.0g
Protein 166.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 871.2mg	0%
Iron 34.0mg	0%
Potassium 7095.8mg	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: 17.3%

Protein: 28.1%

Carbs: 54.6%