Cheesy Pasta
What's more comforting than a golden, gooey bowl of cheesy pasta? A low-calorie version, is what! This Cheesy Pasta is the warming midweek meal you've been waiting for.
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories340
- Carbs60g
- Protein14g
- Fat4.2g
- Saturates1.8g
- Sugars7.5g
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For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff to know in the blurb!
What’s more comforting than a golden, gooey bowl of cheesy pasta? A low-calorie version, is what! Our Cheesy Pasta is the warming midweek meal you’ve been waiting for.
But don’t think less calories means less cheese! We’ve combined a mix of reduced fat spreadable cheese and cheddar to form a flavourful, rich and creamy sauce that perfectly clings to your pasta – so you can still enjoy all that melty deliciousness while staying on track to hit your healthy eating goals.
We’ve also thrown in some onions and fresh basil. Their juicy, herby taste adds a naturally sweet finish to the dish – keeping it light and fresh. Season. to taste with salt and pepper as you please, then serve with an Italian-inspired side salad or garlic bread!
What diets is this Cheesy Pasta suitable for?
This Cheesy Pasta recipe is suitable for those following a vegetarian diet. It can also be made gluten-free, provided you swap out the following ingredients for gluten-free versions:
- Pasta
If you’re cooking for people with allergies, be sure to double or triple check all of your ingredients. Use separate utensils, cookware, and preparation surfaces.
Do you need any special ingredients to make this Cheesy Pasta?
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You don’t need anything special to make this dish, but if you haven’t tried one yet, a multicooker is great for cooking your pasta. They’re also ideal for steaming – which is perfect for cooking vegetables. You can pick one up on Amazon.
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‘Such a simple & beautifully balanced tasting meal. I roasted the tomatoes to get that extra sweetness from them & the basil completes the whole dish.’
How many calories are in this Cheesy Pasta?
There are 340 calories per portion in this Cheesy Pasta, which means it falls into our Everyday Light category – perfect if you’re following a calorie-controlled diet. It also fits well with major plans, such as Weight Watchers for instance.
As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight, then you might want to adjust the amount slightly. You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.
Step 1
Make the pasta as per the packet instructions (this usually takes about 10 minutes).
Step 2
Spray a frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray, and set on a medium heat. Add the onion, then fry for 8-10 minutes – until caramelised.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 200ºC.
Step 4
Add the onion to the cooked pasta – along with the spreadable cheese and basil – then mix well. Season to taste.
Step 5
Transfer the pasta to an oven-proof dish, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake for about 15-20 minutes – until golden brown.
Complete your Cheesy Pasta with any of these accompaniments:
How do you know when this Cheesy Pasta is cooked?
Once you’ve cooked the pasta according to the packet instructions, it should have an “al dente” texture – this means it’ll be tender, but with a slight bite.
When it comes to the sauce – you’ll know this Cheesy Pasta is cooked when the cheese is golden and bubbling. This should take around 15-20 minutes.
Here in the UK, standard advice is to cook food until it has reached 70°C, and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes. This is to keep you and the people you’re cooking for safe.
How long can you keep Cheesy Pasta in the fridge?
Once you’ve served this Cheesy Pasta, ideally, you should eat it within 4 hours.
If you do allow any leftovers to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid, and chill. You can keep leftovers of Cheesy Pasta in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.
Can I freeze Cheesy Pasta?
We would not recommend freezing Cheesy Pasta – fresh is best for this one!
How do I reheat Cheesy Pasta?
From chilled: Place in a microwave-proof container with a loosely fitting lid, and heat for 4-7 minutes – until piping hot.
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Cheesy Pasta
What's more comforting than a golden, gooey bowl of cheesy pasta? A low-calorie version, is what! This Easy Cheesy Pasta is the warming midweek meal you've been waiting for.
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Prep Time
10 MINS
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Cook Time
40 MINS
- KCals 340
- Carbs 60G
Instructions
- Make the pasta as per the packet instructions (this usually takes 10 minutes). Drain well.
- Spray a frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray, and set on a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 8-10 minutes – until caramelised.
- Preheat the oven to 200ºC.
- Add the onion to the cooked pasta – along with the spreadable cheese and basil, and mix well. Season to taste.
- Transfer the pasta to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake for about 15-20 minutes – until golden brown.
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16 comments
See what others have to say
JacquesSunday 27th December 2020
Could you use broccoli instead of tomato’s as I’m allergic to fresh ones x
LisaMonday 28th December 2020
Hi Jacques
The tomatoes are a side garnish that are cooked separately from the main pasta dish. Just follow the pasta recipe and serve it with whatever veg you fancy. Hope this helps.
Christine LancasterTuesday 17th September 2019
Im assuming the tomatoes are to be done in a sauceapan? Im making this tonight, but adding bacon medallions to mine as i have 2 hungry boys to feed as well lol
Emma TThursday 19th September 2019
Hi Christing,
Sounds delish! Yes, the tomatoes can be cooked in a saucepan or frying pan ????
OliviaThursday 2nd May 2019
Not sure what I did wrong but mine was really dry. Any advice?
Emma TMonday 3rd June 2019
Hi Olivia,
You could add some of the water used to cook the pasta to give it a bit of extra sauce – sometimes pasta absorbs loads of moisture and can make sauces dry out a bit!
AnitaMonday 21st January 2019
Sorry to ask but could quark be used instead of primula?
charlotte mckinnonSunday 24th June 2018
I think this is a favourite of mine!! I’m such a fussy eater but to make this extra yummy! I add Tuna chunks in brine (free) plus sweetcorn before putting in the oven. Soooo yummy and extra filling. If you like tuna give it a go guys you can thank me later 😛
Caitlin AtkinsonThursday 21st June 2018
Hi is the pasta cooked or uncooked please ??
SarahFriday 15th June 2018
Hi, When I try to print this, I get a message from Windows Defender that the website has been reported as unsafe and maybe containing phishing threats. Is this right?
KerryWednesday 17th January 2018
Can you reheat it after cooking once – i.e. for the next days lunch?
Paul WhiteheadFriday 3rd November 2017
hi ya,
the ingredients list says 1/2 bag of pasta, how big is the bag ?
I ask as I tend to by really big bags of pasta to keep costs down.
Cheers Paul
Louise BannermanTuesday 19th September 2017
Do you think this would freeze okay? I’ve done it with actual Mac and cheese, but not sure about the primula.
NicWednesday 10th May 2017
Could I use Low Low cheese instead of primula?
DebWednesday 22nd February 2017
a drizzle of Balsamic vinegar on the tomatoes before cooking gives them a lovely new flavour ….xx
KateThursday 23rd February 2017
Hi Deb
Great tip!
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