Fireside Low Fat Pasta (Printable)
Whole wheat pasta with roasted vegetables and a flavorful tomato sauce, light and satisfying.
# List of ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz whole wheat penne or fusilli
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
→ Sauce & Seasoning
08 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, no salt added
09 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
13 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
→ Topping
16 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional; use nutritional yeast for vegan option)
# Steps:
01 - Set the oven to 425°F.
02 - Place diced bell pepper, zucchini, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once midway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
04 - Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Add the roasted vegetables and chopped basil to the tomato sauce, stirring to blend flavors thoroughly.
07 - Mix in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until pasta is well coated and heated through.
08 - Plate immediately, topping with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast and garnish with extra basil if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's hearty yet low fat, perfect for those cozy nights when you want something filling but light.
- The roasted veggies add a natural sweetness that makes every bite feel special without extra effort.
02 -
- Saving some pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta like a dream and keeps it from drying out.
- Roasting vegetables with just a touch of olive oil unlocks flavors you won't get by steaming or sautéing alone.
03 -
- For extra depth, roast your garlic along with the veggies instead of sautéing it.
- Using whole wheat pasta brings in extra fiber and a pleasantly chewy texture that holds sauce really well.