7 Easy Baked Pasta Dishes

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Pasta is a crowd pleaser and doesn’t have to be hard to cook or unhealthy. Baked pasta is my go to meal when I need to prepare something ahead of time for dinner. With these simple modifications I've been able to take high-fat, high-calorie dishes and replaced them with highly nutritious ingredients. 
  • Use only half the amount of cheese.
  • Replace high-fat protein with lean protein.
  • Replace half the pasta with vegetables.
  • Try pasta made with rice, corn or quinoa flour for a gluten-free option. 
  • Use non-fat milk and Greek yogurt for a cream based sauce. 
These recipes are simple to prepare and taste great. Steam some broccoli or prepare a green salad and you have a well balanced meal that your family will love. 
 


Baked Pasta with Veggies and Turkey

A homemade baked pasta dish that is lactose free, relatively low in sodium, and full of veggies and protein.

calories: 299.7   fat: 3.6 g   protein: 24.6 g   carbs: 43.8 g   fiber: 8 g



Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash helps slim down this macaroni and cheese. You can't taste it, and it boosts the nutritional value of the dish!

calories: 230   fat: 4.3 g   protein: 13.2 g   carbs: 35.8 g   fiber: 5.2 g



Slow Cooker Lasagna

A great dish for a busy week. Brown the meat, layer in the ingredients, set your slow cooker on low, and go! From "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight."

calories: 271   fat: 10.2 g   protein: 24.8 g   carbs: 18 g   fiber: 1.6 g
 


Turkey Tetrazzini

This is a great dish to use leftover turkey. Top it with sliced carrots and zucchini.

calories: 156.6   fat: 7.5 g   protein: 7.6 g   carbs: 15.6 g   fiber: 1.7 g



Baked Ravioli

A great option for those who love lasagna.

calories: 368.3   fat: 14 g   protein: 31.7 g   carbs: 29 g   fiber: 1 g



Three-Cheese Macaroni

Cheesy, rich, delicious--just what you expect in macaroni and cheese. What you won't expect? 2/3 the fat and half the calories of the original!
 
calories: 259.6   fat: 7.9 g   protein: 12.6 g   carbs: 39.5 g   fiber: 4.1 g



Spinach and Sausage Baked Pasta
 
calories: 392.4   fat: 13 g   protein: 26.7 g   carbs: 18.9 g   fiber: 6 g

What healthy ingredients are in your baked pasta dishes? 

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Like this blog? Then you'll love "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight."