Hearty Penne Bolognese with a Light Twist
Experience the comforting flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce reimagined for a healthier lifestyle. This Hearty Penne Bolognese features a blend of lean ground beef and vibrant vegetables, slow-cooked to create a rich, savory sauce that clings perfectly to penne pasta. With the addition of low-fat milk, the sauce remains creamy without the extra calories. Serve this flavorful dish with a crisp salad, warm garlic bread, and a glass of Italian red wine for an exquisite, wholesome meal that the whole family will love. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body, making it a perfect fit for any dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
onion
1 (diced)
carrot
1 (diced)
celery rib
1 (diced)
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (none)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (none)
no-added-salt tomato paste
1/3 cup (none)
1% low-fat milk
1 2/3 cups (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
penne pasta
12 ounces (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
2
Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the diced carrots, diced celery, and 1/3 cup of water. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has evaporated, about 5 more minutes.
4
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 4 minutes.
5
Pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to simmer and cook off the alcohol until the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes.
6
Incorporate the tomato paste, 2/3 cup of low-fat milk, salt, pepper, and dried oregano into the skillet. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the milk is absorbed into the mixture.
7
Continue to simmer the sauce, gradually adding the remaining 1 cup of low-fat milk, until the sauce is thick and creamy, about 20 minutes in total.
8
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well.
9
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the cooked penne pasta, chopped fresh parsley (if using), and grated cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to coat the pasta evenly.
10
Spoon the Hearty Penne Bolognese into four bowls. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Penne Bolognese with a Light Twist?
It is a healthier version of the classic Bolognese sauce that uses lean ground beef and low-fat milk to create a rich, creamy texture with fewer calories.
What makes this Bolognese recipe 'light'?
The recipe is made light by using lean ground beef and 1% low-fat milk instead of higher-fat meats or heavy cream.
Which type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of penne pasta.
What meat is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of lean ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the base of the sauce?
The sauce includes one diced onion, one diced carrot, and one diced celery rib.
Why is water added to the vegetables during cooking?
1/3 cup of water is added to help tenderize the carrots and celery as they cook until the liquid evaporates.
What type of wine is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry white wine to add depth of flavor.
How long should the wine simmer?
The wine should simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the alcohol cooks off.
What kind of tomato product is used for the Bolognese?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of no-added-salt tomato paste.
What type of milk is used for the creamy texture?
The recipe calls for 1 2/3 cups of 1% low-fat milk.
How is the milk added to the sauce?
The milk is added gradually: first 2/3 cup is stirred in until absorbed, then the remaining 1 cup is added during the final simmer.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
How long does the sauce need to simmer in total?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 20 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy.
How should the penne pasta be prepared?
The penne should be cooked in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until just tender.
What is the role of fresh parsley in this recipe?
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley is an optional ingredient used for tossing with the pasta and sauce for freshness.
Which cheeses are recommended for topping?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese.
How do you combine the pasta and sauce?
Once the sauce is ready, transfer it to a large bowl and gently toss it with the cooked penne, cheese, and parsley.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
How long should the onion be sautéed?
The onion should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until it is softened and translucent.
How can I tell when the beef is cooked?
The beef is done when it is browned and no longer pink, which takes approximately 4 minutes.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
Yes, it is tagged as 'low fat' and uses lean beef and 1% milk to accommodate health-conscious diets.
What can I serve with Hearty Penne Bolognese?
The description suggests serving it with a crisp salad, warm garlic bread, and a glass of Italian red wine.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While penne is specified, the Bolognese sauce would likely pair well with other pasta shapes if needed.
What is the consistency of the finished sauce?
The finished sauce should be thick and creamy, allowing it to cling perfectly to the penne pasta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is the tomato paste salted?
No, the recipe specifically recommends using no-added-salt tomato paste.
What kind of heat should the sauce be simmered on?
The sauce should be cooked on a gentle simmer to ensure the milk is absorbed properly.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a rich, savory, and comforting Italian flavor profile with a touch of creaminess from the milk.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal that the whole family will love.