Best 7 Lighter Tomato Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipes

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Craving a comforting and flavorful pasta dish without the guilt? Look no further than our collection of lighter tomato Alfredo pasta bake recipes. These culinary masterpieces offer a delightful balance of creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy tomatoes, and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds without weighing you down. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes are designed to guide you step-by-step in creating a delectable and guilt-free tomato Alfredo pasta bake that will impress your family and friends alike.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

LIGHTER TOMATO "ALFREDO" PASTA BAKE



Lighter Tomato

A saucy pasta bake loaded with Italian sausage, tomato and Alfredo sauce, fusilli and melty mozzarella sounds delicious, but not particularly light-at least until now! This recipe was expressly designed to deliver on flavors of the dish that inspired it-crowd-favorite Tomato-Alfredo Baked Ziti-while also trimming down the calories. To pull this off, the Betty Crocker Kitchens made a number of smart changes: using turkey sausage in lieu of pork, reducing the amount of cheese and including a homemade Alfredo sauce that starts with a head of cauliflower. That's right: You can transform this nutrient-packed vegetable into a luscious and garlicky sauce. What's more, the creamy richness of the cauli-fredo sauce is enhanced by the mild acidity of the Muir Glen™ fire roasted crushed tomatoes. The pairing of these two sauces is what makes the dish so irresistible-and that's exactly what we were going for!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 cups water
1 package (12 oz) frozen cauliflower flowerets
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz uncooked fusilli or rotini pasta (about 2 cups)
1 package (8 oz) white mushrooms, cut into quarters
2 links (about 1/2 lb) Italian turkey sausage
1 cup chopped red or yellow bell pepper
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium heat. Add onions and 1 teaspoon of the garlic; cook 5 to 6 minutes or until just tender. Transfer to blender. Return saucepan to medium heat; add water and frozen cauliflower. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Drain and transfer cauliflower to blender; cool 10 minutes. Add whipping cream; cover and blend 60 to 90 seconds or until nearly smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; blend 60 to 90 seconds or until smooth.
  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Add to baking dish.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut sausage casing, and discard. Crumble sausage into skillet with mushrooms. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up sausage, until sausage is no longer pink. Stir in bell pepper and remaining 2 teaspoons garlic; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant. Stir in tomatoes; heat 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
  • Add sausage mixture to baking dish; stir to completely combine. Top with mozzarella cheese; carefully pour cauliflower sauce over top. Bake uncovered 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly on edges.
  • Let stand 10 minutes. Top with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 39 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 20 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize About 1 1/4 Cups, Sodium 870 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 0 g

TOMATO ALFREDO PASTA



Tomato Alfredo Pasta image

Unable to decide between topping pasta with tomato or Alfredo sauce, I combine them into one.-Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring the tomatoes to a boil. Cook until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat., Stir in the cream and basil; heat through (do not boil). Drain pasta. Add pasta and Parmesan cheese to sauce; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380 calories, Fat 15g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 543mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

BAKED ALFREDO PASTA



Baked Alfredo Pasta image

A wonderfully grown-up macaroni and cheese. Great served with a salad and bread or steamed peas or broccoli.

Provided by MommyMakes

Categories     Cheese

Time 32m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/4 lb butter
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 -3 pinches nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (20 ounce) package cheese tortellini, prepared
1/2 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Prepare tortellini or other favorite pasta slightly al dente in salted water. Drain.
  • Preheat oven to 400ºF.
  • Warm butter and cream in a sauce pan until butter is melted. Add parmesan cheese and spices.
  • Pour pasta into a 2qt casserole dish with a lid. Pour alfredo sauce over pasta and stir to combine.
  • Sprinkle shredded parmesan and bread crumbs over pasta and cover.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until top is brown and crusty.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 678.7, Fat 43.2, SaturatedFat 26, Cholesterol 153.1, Sodium 884.9, Carbohydrate 51.1, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 1.6, Protein 22.7

LIGHTER FETTUCCINI ALFREDO



Lighter Fettuccini Alfredo image

A low-fat pasta for garlic lovers. For variety, try shell or penne pasta.

Provided by Linda Lou

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
1 cup nonfat milk
½ cup reduced fat margarine
8 ounces Neufchatel cheese, cubed
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon onion salt
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water cook fettuccini until al dente. Drain.
  • Combine milk, cubed Neufchatel cheese, butter or margarine, garlic powder, onion powder, minced garlic, and salt. Stir until smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until blended.
  • Toss pasta with Alfredo sauce and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.8 calories, Carbohydrate 44.6 g, Cholesterol 41.3 mg, Fat 20.7 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 623.6 mg, Sugar 4.4 g

LIGHTER MEDITERRANEAN PASTA BAKE



Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake image

Next time you're craving a comforting casserole loaded with chicken, veggies and just enough cheese to make it feel decadent, we recommend giving this recipe a try. It's a lightened-up take on a favorite recipe, our Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Bake. Like the original, this lighter version features perfectly browned chicken, bowtie pasta and the sun-ripened flavors of tomatoes, olives and artichokes featured in the original-but we also added in a few more veggies and trimmed down the cheese. The result is a dish that's full-flavored and comforting. When it comes out of the oven all warm and melty, no one will guess this dinner comes in under 400 calories per serving!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped onions
1 small zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and into 1/4-inch slices (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 jars (6 oz each) Progresso™ imported marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 cups Muir Glen™ organic tomato basil pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Add to large bowl.
  • In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with Italian seasoning and salt; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Transfer to bowl with pasta.
  • In same skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat; add onions and zucchini. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in artichokes, pasta sauce and whipping cream; heat 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
  • Carefully add sauce to bowl of pasta and chicken; stir until well combined. Spoon mixture into baking dish; top with tomatoes, olives and Parmesan cheese. Cover baking dish with foil; bake 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 6 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize About 1 1/3 Cups, Sodium 680 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

LIGHTER CAULIFLOWER "ALFREDO" PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Lighter Cauliflower

Here's what you need: oil, large white onion, garlic, vegetable broth, water, large head cauliflower, unsweetened almond milk, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, dried oregano, asparagus, penne pasta, parsley

Provided by Crystal Hatch

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

oil, as needed
½ large white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
3 cups water
1 large head cauliflower, broken into florets
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
dried oregano, to taste
1 cup asparagus, chopped
2 cups penne pasta, cooked
parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Set aside.
  • In a large pot, add vegetable broth, water, and cauliflower florets. Boil until cauliflower is tender.
  • Drain the cauliflower, reserving 1 cup of the liquid for the next step.
  • In a food processor or blender, add cauliflower, reserved cooking liquid, almond milk, parmesan, sautéed onion and garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth. (Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to do this in batches.)
  • In a large skillet, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Cook until chicken is no longer pink and remove from the skillet. Set aside.
  • Add asparagus to the skillet and cook.
  • Once asparagus has reached your desired doneness, add cooked pasta, the cooked chicken, and the cauliflower sauce. Combine well and heat through.
  • Serve topped with fresh parsley.
  • Nutrition Calories: 2188 Fat: 180 grams Carbs: 101 grams Fiber: 10 grams Sugars: 10 grams Protein: 47 grams
  • Enjoy!

LIGHTER MUSHROOM TORTELLINI ALFREDO



Lighter Mushroom Tortellini Alfredo image

This pasta dish is a perfect choice for meatless Monday, and with minimal ingredients it's fast to make, too!

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Creamy     Alfredo Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated tortellini
½ cup sliced portobello mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup evaporated fat-free milk
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pinch ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil; stir in tortellini and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini float to the top and the filling is hot, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove mixture to a small bowl.
  • Add evaporated milk to skillet and heat over medium-low heat until warm. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked tortellini and toss to coat. Garnish with mushroom-garlic mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 496.8 calories, Carbohydrate 46.9 g, Cholesterol 87.3 mg, Fat 24.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 23.4 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 759.1 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a good quality Alfredo sauce.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • If you don't have a baking dish, you can use a large skillet. Just make sure it's oven-safe.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta bake, such as zucchini, broccoli, or spinach.
  • Serve the pasta bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This lighter tomato Alfredo pasta bake is a delicious and easy weeknight meal. It's made with healthy ingredients like whole wheat pasta, vegetables, and lean protein. Plus, it's packed with flavor thanks to the creamy Alfredo sauce and tangy tomatoes. So next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try.

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