Baked Penne

4.67 from 3 votes

Lightened up Baked Penne Pasta. Keep the comfort food but lose the fat and calories!

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Italian American

Servings:

Calories: 509kcal

Author: Bernadette

16 ounces organic whole wheat penne with milled flax seed or your favorite penne or ziti)
1 pound bulk mild Italian turkey sausage
1 pound ground pork
28 ounce can Redpack crushed tomatoes
28 ounce can Redpack diced tomatoes
16 ounces reduced fat mozzarella cheese ,freshly shredded
15 ounces low-fat ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 yellow onion ,chopped
3 garlic cloves ,minced
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
black pepper ,to taste
chopped parsley for garnish
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium/high heat. Add turkey sausage and ground pork, breaking up the meat with a large spoon. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until the meat is browned, drain excess fat.
Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stir. Let simmer while you cook the pasta. Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than recommended time on the box.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, egg whites, and black pepper. Stir well, add the pasta and half of the sauce, stir to combine.
Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Add the mixed pasta, Remaining sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Adapted from RedPack