Pasta al Forno

Pasta al Forno is a comforting baked pasta dish infused with rich flavors and high protein ingredients. This version combines lean ground turkey, spinach, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• Whole grain penne pasta - 200 grams
• Lean ground turkey - 250 grams
• Fresh spinach - 100 grams
• Ricotta cheese - 100 grams
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded) - 100 grams
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 50 grams
• Egg - 1 large
• Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Tomato sauce - 200 milliliters

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the whole grain penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, turkey and spinach mixture, tomato sauce, and the ricotta cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 45 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in fiber from whole grain pasta and spinach, promoting digestive health.

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