| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 40 min |
| Prep: | 15 min |
| Cook: | 25 min |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 40 min |
| Prep: | 15 min |
| Cook: | 25 min |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 3 slices turkey bacon or center-cut bacon
- 4 1/2 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) dry uncooked whole-wheat or high-fiber penne pasta
- 2 large yellow summer squash
- 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
- 4 wedges light spreadable Swiss cheese (recommended: The Laughing Cow Light)
- 2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
- 2 slices fat-free Cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, optional
Instructions
- Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop and set aside.
- In a large pot, prepare pasta al dente (firm) according to the instructions on the package. Drain well, return to the pot, and cover to keep warm.
- While water comes to a boil and while pasta cooks, cut squash into pieces similar to the size of penne, about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Spray a large skillet (with a lid) with nonstick spray, and bring to medium heat on the stove. Add squash, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, occasionally uncovering to stir.
- Add spinach and tomato to the skillet, re-cover, and continue to cook for about 1 minute. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted, tomatoes are soft, and excess liquid has cooked off, about 3 minutes. If needed, drain any excess liquid. Set aside.
- Place cheese wedges in a microwave-safe bowl and stir to break them up. Add sour cream and cheese slices, breaking cheese slices into pieces as you add them. Microwave for 30 seconds, and then stir thoroughly. Microwave for another 30 seconds, or until cheeses have fully melted. Mix until smooth.
- Add cheese mixture and cooked veggies to the pasta. Toss to coat. Top with bacon. If needed, bring to desired temperature on the stove. If you like, season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve it up!
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 227 |
| Total Fat | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 491 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 33 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 grams |
| Protein | 13 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
| Calories | 227 |
| Total Fat | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 491 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 33 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 grams |
| Protein | 13 grams |
| Sugar | 4 grams |
Reviews
This was so easy – I didn’t have squash so used Asparagus instead and followed everything else as written. My kids both loved it and don’t usually like asparagus but ate it all! Sharing this one with other moms for sure.
This was really really good! I loved that it included vegetables which we never seem to get enough of. I failed to get the proper cheese, so I used what I had on hand, which was some english aged cheddar. I would’ve never thought to use Laughing Cow cheese, we usually eat it as a snack. It made a wonderful creamy sauce. I will definitely make this again and again even my 18 yr. old son loved it!
I’ll start by saying I Love This Recipe. Some day I will make it just the way it says to. I went for the sour cream and it was bad so I substituted greek yogurt the I went for the cheese slices, hmmmm gone, so I used 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, fresh tomatoes, not in this house today, I used 1/3 of a can of diced tomatoes. You ask how I happened to have the squash and spinach on hand? I checked the recipe to be sure I had everything before going to the store. HA! Hubby like it to and that’s always a plus.
Cheese and vegetables, what more could some one ask for?
I have to say that i love all tghe veggies in this recipe…..i don’t usually eat veggies so this is a great way to eat them…..Plus the mac and cheese was so creamy and silky and…and…you have to try it.
This recipe was great! After I cooked the bacon, I sauteed the squash in a little of the bacon grease instead of the recipe directions. I was surprised how good this was! And, all three of my children and mu husband liked it. Will make it again.
Delicious, and easy, never would have thought of using laughing cow cheese in a sauce, but this was a creamy low cal, sort of pasta primavera. Totally a keeper recipe!
This recipe was GREAT! Can’t believe it’s diet!!! I took out the squash b/c I’m not a fan and it was still delish! Thanks Hungry Girl!!
This was so good, made it for dinner last night, I did do a little change, I had fresh spinach with arugula, so I used that. My husband loved it, said “make sure you keep that recipe. I just can’t believe that serves 4, we didn’t even make a dent in it. Having it again tonight.
This recipe turned out way better than I expected! The bacon adds a great depth of flavor. Loved how filling the vegetables made this dish and the cheese sauce was the best part. I’ll definitely be having this again.