Classic baked pasta gets a healthy makeover in my Skinny Spinach Parmesan and Lemon Vegetarian Baked Penne.
Hi friends!
I forgot to mention yesterday that I did see Star Wars this weekend and I kind of loved it. I can't believe I got so wrapped up in those movies. Now I'm waiting like the rest of the world for the next episode. It was a lot of fun to hunker down and watch the entire series. It was the perfect cold, January activity.
You know what else is perfect for cold weather? Pasta. As the weather cools, I find myself wanting creamy comfort food and pasta. It can be quite dangerous.
I don't believe in depriving yourself of food, instead creating healthier versions or eating the real deal in moderation.
Vegetarian Baked Pasta is one of my all time favorites... but creamy sauce can also be a crazy source of calories...
My version, while still pretty sinful, uses low fat milk that thickens with flour to create the creaminess without actually adding any cream.
I season it with lemon and nutmeg to brighten the flavors and bring a little bit of richness.
To health-ify it more I use whole wheat pasta and tons of iron-packed spinach.
The result is totally crave-worthy pasty goodness.
This is a great dish that actually gets better for leftovers the next time. I like making a big batch on Monday and eating off of it for several days. And luckily my pasta cravings are curbed for at least a little while!
It will give you enough energy to fly the entire galaxy... OR a nice long run the next day. 🙂 Enjoy!
Skinny Vegetarian Baked Penne
Ingredients
- 13 ounces whole wheat penne
- 9 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 4 cloves
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 ½ cups 1% milk
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cup shredded parmesan, divided
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon pepper divided
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ cup panko
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a large casserole dish.
- Cook pasta one minute short of package instructions. It will continue to cook in the pasta bake so you want it under cooked.
- Two minutes before pasta is scheduled to finish cooking, add the spinach to the pasta water to wilt. Cook along with pasta. Drain the pasta and spinach.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, saute the onion in the olive oil over medium heat. Season with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and pepper. Cook until starting to brown.
- Add the flour and garlic. Stir and coat the onion evenly with the flour. Cook for one minute.
- Gradually add the broth and milk stirring frequently. Allow the sauce to come to a low boil to thicken. Stir for several minutes or until thick.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheese. Season with nutmeg. Add the rest of the salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the pasta, spinach and add the lemon juice. MIx well.
- Put in a ** casserole dish and sprinkle the panko and remaining ¼ cup of cheese on the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and brown.
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow for a crazy story about time time I hiked through an old lava field on purpose!
I'm linking up with: Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah, Meatless Monday with Annmarie, Delicious Dish Tuesday, What’s Cookin’ Wednesday, Full Plate Thursday with Miz Helen, FoodFriDIY, Foodie Friday, and the Weekend Potluck. Thanks so much ladies for the link up parties!
Your turn!
How do you like to eat pasta? Or do you never eat pasta?
What did you think of Star Wars?
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
This looks wonderful...I'd definitely like to try it! I'm always looking for more meatless meals!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Michelle! It's a yummy one!
Miz Helen says
Your Baked Penne looks wonderful and healthy! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
JulieWunder says
Thanks Miz Helen! It's a creamy good one!
Easy Peasy Life Matters says
Can't wait to give this a try! It looks delicious 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing on Full Plate Thursday!
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Farrah says
I haven't made a pasta dish in many moons, but you're so right! This would be an awesome dish for cold weather! <3
JulieWunder says
So cozy!!!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
This is my kind of pasta dish! We always use whole wheat pasta and I pretty much never have cream... and I love making healthy substitutions and amping up the veggies in a dish - can't wait to try this! Looks so creamy and delicious (but healthy - yay!) Will definitely be sharing. And I loved the new Star Wars too - they did such a great job staying true to the originals but taking the story in a new direction. Fun, fun!
JulieWunder says
Yes! It's nice mix between tasting indulgent but having lots of healthy swaps. Great to see you today!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Wow looks like gourmet pasta, thought it would be a tough recipe but when I read the instructions, it seems pretty simple!! I just pinned it so I can find it again! Yum!!
JulieWunder says
Nope! Pretty simple and the sauce is creammmmyyyy!
Mandi Korn says
You always make great recipes, that I would love, love, love to make:o)
JulieWunder says
You can totally make this! Pretty simple! My hubby liked it too.
Blane Sherer says
I'm glad you enjoyed Star Wars.
I enjoyed it too. I am looking forward to
the next one as well.
JulieWunder says
You'll love it!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Love that you lightened up a pasta dish! A great way to enjoy comfort food without all of the calories!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jessica! It was really tasty too!
Annmarie says
I can totally see my hubby and kids gobbling this up!
JulieWunder says
Yes! So yummy!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I love throwing a little nutmeg in there! Yum I have a new Meatless Monday host if you'd like to update you link. Nice to have you join as always 🙂
JulieWunder says
I need to do that! So sorry!!!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Such a great update to a classic. And YAS we have converted you. i thought the new movie, while, sure, a remake of the old, was exactly what it needed to be, and I loved it!
JulieWunder says
Me too! I'm a total fan 🙂