Bella Pasta(This Dish Can Be Low-Fat And Addictive!)
A flavorful, low-fat pasta dish featuring spinach, roasted red peppers, garlic, and cheese, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. pignoli nuts ⓘ
- 1 lb. spinach or broccoli ⓘ
- 1 jar roasted red peppers ⓘ
- 4 large cloves fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/3 c. fresh Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. low-fat olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water or 1/2 c. regular olive oil ⓘ
- 1 grilled chicken, cut in chunks ⓘ
- 5 leaves basil ⓘ
- 1 lb. flounder, sole or salmon fillets ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. white wine or water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. dill ⓘ
- 2 c. macaroni ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 1/4 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the beaten egg, skim milk, and Parmesan cheese to make the mixture.
- Stir the egg mixture into the cooked macaroni until well combined.
- Spray a 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick spray and spread the macaroni mixture evenly in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. If Romano cheese is unavailable, Parmesan can be substituted for a similar taste. For a lighter option, use low-fat olive oil instead of regular. You can also include other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to increase the dish's nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and flounder, and try adding more roasted red peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Bella Pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad and a side of garlic bread. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider serving it alongside Lemon Rice Soup. You can also garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavor. A glass of white wine would complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni dish in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You may add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bella Pasta(This Dish Can Be Low-Fat And Addictive!) contains roughly 1321 calories, with 74g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (148% of the Daily Value), calcium (110% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2550mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is used here, you can easily substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make this Bella Pasta vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use plant-based milk instead of skim milk and omit the cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients are plant-based as well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Bella Pasta, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).