Low Calorie Pasta: Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta

If you’re looking for a tasty, comforting pasta dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, you’re in the right place! 🍝 Today, we’re diving into a delicious recipe for Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta.

This low-calorie pasta dish is easy to make, full of rich flavors, and perfectly balanced with healthy ingredients. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for something new to add to your weekly meal rotation, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Plus, it’s great for weeknight dinners when you need something quick, nutritious, and comforting. Let’s get started!

Why Whole Wheat Penne is the Perfect Low-Calorie Pasta Option

When you think about comfort food, pasta often comes to mind. But traditional white pasta can be high in refined carbs and low in nutrients, which may leave you feeling sluggish. That’s where whole wheat penne steps in to save the day! 🙌 Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative to regular pasta because it’s higher in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, while also being lower in calories per serving. Here’s why you should make the switch:

• High in Fiber: Whole wheat pasta contains more fiber compared to traditional white pasta, which helps keep you full for longer and supports healthy digestion.
• Rich in Nutrients: Whole wheat penne is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve your overall health. It’s a fantastic method to incorporate extra nutrients while keeping the taste intact.
• Balanced Carbs: Whole wheat pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which break down more slowly than refined carbs, giving you sustained energy and preventing blood sugar spikes.

Pairing whole wheat penne with a rich and creamy ricotta sauce, along with vibrant spinach, makes for a wholesome meal that’s satisfying and nutritious. Plus, spinach is a nutrient powerhouse that adds loads of vitamins and minerals to the dish. Let’s explore more about why this combination works so well for a healthy, low-calorie meal. 🌿

Benefits of Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta

You may be wondering, what makes Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta so special? Well, this dish is all about balance. By using whole wheat penne, you keep the pasta experience, but in a much healthier form. The creamy ricotta, packed with protein, adds a comforting element, while the fresh spinach gives you a boost of nutrition.

Here are some key benefits of this dish:

• Low Calorie: This dish is low in calories, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy pasta without the guilt. By using whole wheat penne, creamy ricotta, and fresh vegetables, you can enjoy all the flavors you love without overloading on calories.
• Nutrient-Dense: Spinach is high in vitamins A, C, and K, while ricotta is a great source of calcium and protein. Whole wheat penne offers fiber, complex carbs, and nutrients that make this meal more balanced and filling.
• Quick and Easy: It’s a simple, quick recipe that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. ⏰
• Flavorful: The combination of creamy ricotta, garlic, fresh spinach, and whole wheat penne is a match made in heaven. You get the creaminess from the ricotta, the earthiness of the spinach, and the satisfying chewiness of the whole wheat pasta.

Ingredients for Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta

To make this easy and delicious low-calorie pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)
• 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat) 🌶️

These ingredients are simple and easy to find, but they combine to create a dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients. The whole wheat penne provides a hearty base, while the creamy ricotta adds richness. Spinach, with its bright color and mild flavor, ties everything together beautifully. 💚

How to Make Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta

Are you ready to get cooking? 🍳 Here’s how to make this delicious Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by heating a large pot of salted water until it comes to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes. After the pasta is done cooking, drain it and keep it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

As the pasta cooks, warm a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Add the spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you like a little spice, now’s the perfect time to add the red pepper flakes. 🌶️

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Ricotta

Once the spinach is wilted, add the cooked whole wheat penne to the skillet and toss everything together. Then, add the low-fat ricotta cheese and stir until everything is well combined and the ricotta is evenly distributed. The warmth from the pasta will help melt the ricotta and create a creamy sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and enjoy immediately! If you like, you can garnish the dish with a little more red pepper flakes for extra heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness. 🍝

Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Whole Wheat Penne 🍝

To make sure your Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Whole wheat pasta can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to cook it al dente. This gives it a nice bite and prevents it from becoming too soft.

2. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe, as it wilts down nicely and adds a bright color to the dish. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, whichever you prefer.

3. Don’t Overheat the Ricotta: When adding the ricotta, make sure not to overheat it, as it can become grainy. Just warm it through until it becomes creamy and well mixed with the pasta.

4. Add Protein: If you want to make the dish more filling, you can add a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. 🍤

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛

There are so many reasons to love Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta. Here are just a few: –

It’s Comforting:

This dish has that comforting, creamy texture you love in pasta dishes, but without all the calories and heaviness. –

It’s Healthy:

The combination of whole wheat pasta, spinach, and ricotta makes this dish nutrient-dense while still being low in calories. –

It’s Flavorful:

The creamy ricotta, garlicky spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta make every bite a delight.

It’s Quick and Easy:

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick, healthy dinner.

Health Benefits of Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta 🌱

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that are good for your body:

– Whole Wheat Penne: Rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. It’s also a great source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.

– Spinach: Spinach is full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. It’s a fantastic way to add leafy greens to your diet without much effort.

-Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for muscle maintenance and bone health. By using low-fat ricotta, you can keep the calories low while still enjoying a creamy texture.

Variations to Try

One of the great things about Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta is how versatile it is. Here are some variations you can try to keep things interesting:

 – Include Protein: To make the meal more satisfying, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will add a protein boost and make the dish more satisfying.🍗

– Make It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, swap out the ricotta cheese for a vegan ricotta alternative or use blended silken tofu for a creamy texture.

-Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients. 🍄

-Add Herbs: For a burst of fresh flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end.

Meal Prep and Storage

Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta is a great dish for meal prep. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

–Prepare Ahead: You can cook the pasta and spinach in advance, but it’s ideal to add the ricotta just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

-Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

This dish can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other light sides or mains:

-Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of whole wheat garlic bread for a satisfying meal.

-Green Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing side.

-Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side to complement the flavors of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)🤔

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

-Yes, frozen spinach is a great alternative if that’s what you have available. Make sure to fully thaw it and remove any excess moisture before incorporating it into the dish.

2. Is it possible to use another kind of pasta?

-Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of whole wheat pasta, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

3. How can I make this dish more creamy?

-If you want to make the dish even creamier, you can add a little bit of low-fat cream or milk when mixing in the ricotta.

Final Thoughts: Comfort Meets Nutrition 🌟

Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up comfort or flavor, and Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Ricotta is the perfect proof of that. This dish is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor—all while being low in calories and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling good, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

💚 So, the next time you’re in the mood for pasta, give this healthy, low-calorie version a try. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.

😊 Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this creamy, comforting dish! 🍽️