Zesty Penne Pasta – Light

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1

Zesty Penne Pasta recipe - light and flavorful pasta dish

by The Chefin Pasta

Prep

5 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

25 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	3 cups whole wheat penne , uncooked
	1 lb reduced-fat pork sausage , Jimmy Dean
	1 jar spaghetti sauce , I use Prego Heart-Smart
	1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
	4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
	1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

353

Sugar

Fat

12g

Zesty Penne Pasta is a flavorful and light pasta dish that makes a great dinner after a long day. The combination of reduced-fat pork sausage, spicy chili flakes, and tangy spaghetti sauce creates a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that pairs perfectly with whole wheat penne. Reducing the amount of fat and calories in the dish means that you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Instructions

1.	Cook whole wheat penne according to package instructions until al dente.
2.	In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat until cooked through, breaking up into small pieces.
3.	Drain any excess grease from the skillet and add spaghetti sauce and chili pepper flakes. Heat until sauce is heated through.
4.	Cube cream cheese and stir into skillet until melted and well combined.
5.	Add cooked penne to the skillet, stirring until sauce is evenly distributed.
6.	Garnish with parmesan cheese before serving.

PROS

This recipe is packed with flavor and texture, yet still light on calories compared to regular penne pasta dishes.

The use of whole wheat penne provides additional fiber and nutrients.

Can be made in under 30 minutes.

CONS

The use of reduced-fat pork sausage and cream cheese means that the dish may not be as rich and flavorful as traditional pasta dishes.

May be too spicy for those who do not enjoy spicy food.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Whole wheat pasta is a great source of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and can aid in digestive health.
Reduced-fat pork sausage and cream cheese contain less fat and calories than their regular counterparts, making them a healthier option.
Spaghetti sauce is typically high in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.