Southwest Pasta Bake

Southwest Pasta Bake

4.6 of 5 (15)
member ratings
Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 8
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 319.7
  • Total Fat: 10.0 g
  • Cholesterol: 46.2 mg
  • Sodium: 644.0 mg
  • Total Carbs: 31.9 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.7 g
  • Protein: 23.0 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Southwest Pasta Bake calories by ingredient


Introduction

I got this recipe from the Light & Tasty magazine - its a comforting casserole. I prepare the recipe into two baking dishes (4x9) and freeze one for another night. The nutritional info I recorded uses reduced-fat cream cheese and milk - you can make it with the fat-free that the recipe calls for and save some fat & calories. I got this recipe from the Light & Tasty magazine - its a comforting casserole. I prepare the recipe into two baking dishes (4x9) and freeze one for another night. The nutritional info I recorded uses reduced-fat cream cheese and milk - you can make it with the fat-free that the recipe calls for and save some fat & calories.
Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

    8 oz uncooked penne
    1 pkg (8oz) fat-free cream cheese, cubed
    1/2 cup fat-free milk
    1 pkg (10oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
    1 tsp oregano
    1 pound lean ground beef
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 jar (16oz) picante sauce
    1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
    1 can (6oz) tomato paste
    2 tsp chili powder
    1 tsp ground cumin
    1 cup (4oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
    1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
    1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add milk; beat until smooth, stir in spinach & oregano; set aside. In a non-stick skillet, cook beef & garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stire in the picante sauce, tomato sauce & paste, chili powder & cumin; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for about 5 minutes. Drain pasta; stir into meat mixture.

In a 13x9x2 baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray, layer half of the meat mixture and then all of the spinach mixture. Top with remaining meat mixture. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover & sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese melts. Sprinkle with onions and olives.

Makes 8 servings.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user WIIGIRL70.

Member Ratings For This Recipe


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    Very Good
    Yummy recipe. - 6/10/21


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    tasty - 5/28/21


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    I wish pasta had no carbs.... - 1/24/21


  • no profile photo


    Great idea - 1/2/21


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    tasty - 11/3/19