Tomato and Spinach Baked Pasta

This is such a simple dish that there really wasn't much that I changed from it.  Sometimes simple recipes are the best ones :)  I found this recipe for Tomato and Spinach Baked Pasta at Shape Magazine.  They have many wonderful, healthy dishes that I love!  This recipe was one of them.  It takes no time to prepare and it tastes amazing.  What more can a girl ask for???

Tomato and Spinach Baked Pasta
1 box whole wheat pasta (I used corkscrew, they used penne)
28 oz diced tomatoes with juice
10 oz baby spinach
1 TBS minced garlic
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella

• Prepare noodles as directed on the package
• While noodles are cooking heat olive oil in a jumbo skillet over medium-high heat
• Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute
• Add tomatoes and seasonings and bring to a boil
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes
• Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes 
• Combine sauce and pasta then add 1/2 cup mozzarella
• Stir to combine and place mixture into a prepared baking dish
• Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes
• Remove and sprinkle with remaining cheese
• Place back in the oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes

I just love the smell of this while it's cooking.  It is so comforting and homey.  This makes quite a bit so feel free to half the recipe or add some zucchini or chicken to the mix.  YUM!  

The nutrition value is per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 200 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  253 Calories from Fat  55

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  6.1g 9%

Saturated Fat  1.6g 8%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  9mg 3%

Sodium  294mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates  40.2g 13%

Dietary Fiber  6.1g 24%

Sugars  4.5g

Protein  11.6g

Vitamin A 85% • Vitamin C 38% Calcium 16% • Iron 15%

Nutrition Grade B+

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in cholesterol
• Very high in vitamin A
• High in vitamin C