Ingredients:

  • 16 oz spaghetti, whole wheat or high-protein
  • 15 oz light Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese, softened
  • 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup low-moisture part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef (93/7)
  • 24 oz marinara sauce, no sugar added
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 16 oz spaghetti and cook for exactly 2 minutes less than the package directions. Note: This ensures the pasta stays firm during the second cook in the oven.
  2. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the cloudy pasta water. Drain the noodles and return them to the warm pot.
  3. Immediately pour 15 oz light alfredo sauce and the reserved water over the hot noodles. Toss vigorously until every strand is shimmering and coated.
  4. In a 12 inch non stick skillet over medium high heat, add 1 lb extra lean ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon until browned and crumbly.
  5. Drain any fat from the skillet. Pour in 24 oz marinara, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and smells deeply aromatic.
  6. In a separate bowl, mash together 8 oz softened Neufchâtel, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 cup parsley. Stir until the mixture is velvety and uniform.
  7. Set your oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the alfredo noodles across the bottom.
  8. Dollop the entire cream cheese mixture over the noodles and smooth it out. Top with the remaining noodles, then pour the meat sauce over everything.
  9. Scatter 2 cups shredded mozzarella across the top. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Note: This allows the internal layers to set so it slices cleanly. The Best Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs with Proper Sunday Sauce 15 Hour Simmer — Forget rushed weeknight pasta This Traditional Italian American meatball reci...Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Delight: The Best Family-Friendly Recipe — Discover my cheesy baked spaghetti recipe that's a crowd-pleaser! Loaded with...Delicious Quick Prawn Spaghetti in 15 Minutes: My Go-To Weeknight Meal! — Craving a quick, tasty dinner? This Quick Prawn Spaghetti in 15 Minutes is a ... $img_2$