Recipe: Whole-Wheat Penne with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Recipe: Whole-Wheat Penne with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato SaucePrep time: Less than 10 minutesCook [...]

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(Photo: Skinny Mom / PopCulture.com)

This low-calorie, high-protein comfort food meal will soon be a favorite in your household! The cheese and sun-dried tomatoes come together for a creamy, perfectly blended sauce the kids and hubby will love. No one will ever know it's healthy!

Prop tip: Add some healthy protein by pairing this hearty pasta dish with our Skinny Turkey Meatballs (shown).

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(Photo: Skinny Mom / PopCulture.com)

Recipe: Whole-Wheat Penne with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Prep time:

Less than 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1½ cups

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whole-wheat penne, dry

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic

  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 Tbsp whole-wheat white flour

  • 1½ cups skim milk

  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ⅛ tsp black pepper

  • 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions for al dente.

  2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant, less than a minute.

  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds, until the butter and garlic become a thick paste.

  4. Lower the heat and whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cheese, salt and black pepper.

  5. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, and then stir in 1 tablespoon basil.

  6. When the penne has finished cooking, drain the penne, reserving about ¼-cup to ½-cup of the pasta cooking water.

  7. Toss the penne into the sauce, and thin the sauce out with the reserved pasta water about 2 tablespoons at a time, if needed.

  8. Garnish with the remaining fresh chopped basil.

Nutrition Information
Per Serving: (1½ cups)
Calories: 373
Calories from fat: 64
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 291mg
Carbohydrates: 67g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar 9g
Protein: 19g
WWP+: 10
SmartPoints: 11

3.1 The nutrition content of recipes on Popculture.com have been calculated by Registered Dietitian, Jessica Penner, of Smart Nutrition.

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