Delicious WW Pasta with Lean Ground Beef, Veggies, and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients for Weight Watchers Pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean) or steak strips (alternative for more flavor)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz whole-wheat or low-carb pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other low-fat milk alternative)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Weight Watchers Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a small cup of pasta water in case you need it later to thin the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Lean Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray the skillet with olive oil spray and add your lean ground beef (or steak strips). Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon as it browns. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil spray if necessary. Add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. Add the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of sautéing to release its aroma and flavor. The vegetables should be soft and slightly caramelized at this point, providing a rich base for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1 tablespoon of flour. This mixture will thicken as it cooks, creating a creamy sauce for the pasta. Pour the almond milk mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and cook the mixture over medium heat, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well, and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the 1 cup of reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or additional seasonings, if desired. The melted mozzarella cheese creates a creamy texture, while the bell peppers, onions, and beef add a savory balance of flavors. This dish is rich and satisfying, but light enough to stay within your Weight Watchers points.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of this Weight Watchers pasta recipe. Note that this recipe makes 4 servings.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Net Carbs: 29g
- Sugar: 8g (from vegetables and almond milk)
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 90% DV (due to the bell peppers)
- Calcium: 15% DV (from mozzarella cheese)
- Iron: 15% DV
This Weight Watchers pasta recipe provides a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while still being a low-calorie, high-nutrient meal that won’t break your point budget.