low cal macaroni bake pasta

Author of this recipe: Isabel Janoski

"Enjoy a guilt-free, low-cal macaroni bake! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this easy pasta recipe is perfect for healthy comfort food."

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Ingredients

• Here’s a list of ingredients for a **low-calorie macaroni bake pasta**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords:
• - **Whole wheat macaroni** (or low-carb pasta alternative like chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles)
• - **Low-fat milk** (or unsweetened almond milk for fewer calories)
• - **Reduced-fat cheddar cheese** (or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option)
• - **Greek yogurt** (plain, non-fat for added creaminess and protein)
• - **Diced tomatoes** (canned or fresh for a juicy, low-calorie base)
• - **Tomato paste** (for a rich, concentrated flavor without added calories)
• - **Garlic** (minced or powdered for a flavorful kick)
• - **Onion** (finely chopped for added depth of flavor)
• - **Spinach** (fresh or frozen, packed with nutrients and low in calories)
• - **Mushrooms** (sliced, for a meaty texture and added fiber)
• - **Olive oil** (a small amount for sautéing, or use cooking spray for fewer calories)
• - **Italian seasoning** (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• - **Salt and pepper** (to taste, for seasoning)
• - **Whole wheat breadcrumbs** (or almond flour for a gluten-free topping)
• - **Parmesan cheese** (grated, for a crispy, low-calorie topping)
• This **low-calorie macaroni bake** is perfect for a **healthy dinner idea**, **weight-loss-friendly meal**, or **comfort food without the guilt**. Use these ingredients to create a **high-protein, low-calorie pasta bake** that’s both delicious and nutritious!

Steps

1. # How to Make a Low-Calorie Macaroni Bake Pasta: A Healthy Comfort Food Recipe
3. Craving a comforting macaroni bake but want to keep it low-calorie? This **healthy macaroni bake pasta** recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for anyone looking for a **low-calorie pasta dish**. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious, guilt-free meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
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7. ## **Ingredients for Low-Calorie Macaroni Bake Pasta**
8. - 2 cups whole-grain or chickpea pasta (for added fiber and protein)
9. - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt (for creaminess without excess calories)
10. - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
11. - 1 cup marinara sauce (low-sodium, sugar-free)
12. - 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
13. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14. - 1 cup diced vegetables (zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers)
15. - 1 tsp olive oil
16. - 1 tsp garlic powder
17. - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
18. - Salt and pepper to taste
19. - Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
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23. ## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
25. ### **1. Preheat the Oven**
26. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This ensures your macaroni bake cooks evenly and develops a golden, cheesy crust.
28. ### **2. Cook the Pasta**
29. - Boil the **whole-grain or chickpea pasta** according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes (it will finish cooking in the oven).
30. - Drain the pasta and set aside.
32. ### **3. Prepare the Sauce**
33. - In a mixing bowl, combine **low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt**, **unsweetened almond milk**, and **marinara sauce**. Mix well until smooth.
34. - Add **garlic powder**, **Italian seasoning**, **salt**, and **pepper** to the sauce for extra flavor.
36. ### **4. Sauté the Vegetables**
37. - Heat **1 tsp olive oil** in a skillet over medium heat.
38. - Add your choice of **diced vegetables** (zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
40. ### **5. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Vegetables**
41. - In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, prepared sauce, and sautéed vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
43. ### **6. Assemble the Macaroni Bake**
44. - Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
45. - Sprinkle **shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese** and **grated Parmesan cheese** evenly over the top.
47. ### **7. Bake to Perfection**
48. - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
49. - For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes (keep an eye on it to prevent burning).
51. ### **8. Serve and Enjoy**
52. - Let the macaroni bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
53. - Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and add a sprinkle of **red pepper flakes** if you like a bit of heat.
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57. ## **Why This Recipe Works for a Low-Calorie Diet**
58. - **Whole-grain or chickpea pasta** provides more fiber and protein, keeping you fuller for longer.
59. - **Low-fat dairy** options like cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
60. - **Vegetables** add volume, nutrients, and flavor without extra calories.
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64. ## **Nutritional Benefits**
65. This **low-calorie macaroni bake** is a balanced meal with:
66. - **High protein** from cottage cheese and pasta.
67. - **Rich in fiber** from whole-grain pasta and vegetables.
68. - **Low in saturated fat** thanks to smart ingredient swaps.
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72. ## **Tips for Customization**
73. - Add **grilled chicken** or **turkey** for extra protein.
74. - Swap marinara for **pesto** or **alfredo sauce** (low-calorie versions).
75. - Use **gluten-free pasta** if needed.
77. ---
79. Enjoy this **healthy macaroni bake pasta** as a comforting yet nutritious meal that fits your low-calorie lifestyle. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

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