Certainly! Here’s a Weight Watchers-friendly version of Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil, complete with SmartPoints information and tailored for those following the WW program:

Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil (Weight Watchers-Friendly)

Introduction

Indulge in a delicious, creamy pasta dish with a Weight Watchers twist! This Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil combines rich flavors with fresh ingredients, making it a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. The creamy sauce, made with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, pairs wonderfully with tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and aromatic basil.

Ingredients

  • Pasta:
  • 12 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta (whole wheat or a lower-carb option can be used for fewer points)
  • Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup light coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk (to reduce points, choose a lower-fat option)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Ww mozzarella, shredded (choose a low-fat variety if possible)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetables:
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. For a lower SmartPoints option, consider using a whole-grain or lower-carb pasta.
  1. Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
  • Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and develop a deeper flavor.
  1. Make the Sauce Creamy:
  • Pour in 1 cup of light coconut cream (or unsweetened almond milk for fewer points) and stir well to combine. Add 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  1. Add the Cheese:
  • Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce. For a lighter option, choose a low-fat mozzarella.
  1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Ensure the pasta is well covered and evenly mixed with the creamy sauce.
  1. Finish with Greens:
  • Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1/2 cup of chopped basil to the skillet. Toss gently until the spinach wilts and the basil is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  1. Serve:
  • Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, makes 4 servings):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 11g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 470 mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

  • Freestyle/WW Blue & Purple Plans: 8 SmartPoints per serving
  • WW Green Plan: 9 SmartPoints per serving

Detailed Steps and Additional Tips:

Cooking the Pasta:

  • Cooking the pasta to al dente is crucial for texture. Salt the pasta water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta itself.

Sautéing the Garlic:

  • Avoid burning the garlic by sautéing it just until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with garlic flavor without making it bitter.

Caramelizing the Tomato Paste:

  • Cooking the tomato paste for a couple of minutes develops a richer, more complex flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the sauce.

Incorporating Coconut Cream:

  • Light coconut cream adds a creamy texture to the sauce. For fewer points, unsweetened almond milk can be used as a substitute, though it may affect the creaminess.

Melting the WW Mozzarella:

  • cheese can be challenging to melt. Use low heat and stir continuously to ensure the cheese integrates smoothly into the sauce.

Adding Fresh Spinach and Basil:

  • Adding spinach and basil at the end preserves their freshness and vibrant color. The spinach will wilt slightly from the residual heat, while the basil will add a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Additional Notes:

Variations:

  • Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the texture and flavor while keeping it within your WW points.

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of plant-based milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

  • This creamy tomato pasta pairs well with a simple green salad and a slice of whole-grain bread for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Weight Watchers-friendly Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Basil provides a rich and satisfying meal while keeping Smart Points in check. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful sauce and vibrant greens, making it a perfect choice for a hearty, yet mindful, dining experience. Bon appétit!