Showing posts with label healthy pasta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy pasta. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Healthy Protein fettuccine Alfredo with Vegan option


I was too tired to snap a perfect picture. Hormones are on fleek right now and its not a picnic, but I know eating healthy will help. But the Bitch inside wants comfort food. Good thing I have tricks up my sleeve and I can feed both the Bitch and the Angel that wants to stay true to her goals. Enter healthy alfredo.

I know what you are thinking but you are wrong. This IS just as creamy and rich as the regular dairy filled version. The original saturated fat version makes me feel gross. Bloated, tired and miserable. I am all about eating yummy good food, but I don't want depression afterward. Been there, no thanks. So this is my solution and it works like a charm. I feel like I just indulged on the best comfort food all while sticking to my goals. Nothing is better than that! So let me share with you the EASY way to make it.

First thing I use is Banza noodles instead of store bought fettuccine. I choose Banza because per serving they have 25 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, and 40% fewer net carbs than traditional pasta. And they taste like the real deal. My entire family loves them and no this isn't a paid ad. This is me saying there are REALLY healthy options out there for you that require very little lifestyle change. Ditch the noodles that have virtually no nutritional value for ones that are FULL of protein and nutrients. Chickpea pasta is a healthy choice for people to trying to lose weight, diabetics, or anyone who loves pasta. Its the small steps that add up. 

I doubled this recipe because that is how I meal prep. Every time I make a dinner I double it. Sometimes triple it, and put it in individual servings in containers. It is like having a healthy lean cuisine that is actually whole foods. It is fantastic if you have fitness goals because if food is prepared and ready, you tend to not waste money and calories on C.R.A.P. 
Carbonated Drinks
Refined Sugar
Artificial Flavorings & Alcohol
Processed Foods

We don't need those in our life. Your body is begging you to give it the good stuff! So when I get a hankering for olive garden, I do this instead. Give it a try!

Healthy Protein fettuccine Alfredo

1 1/2 cups sweet onion, diced
1-2 cups low sodium vegetable broth if vegan, chicken broth if you aren't, divided
1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 x-large minced garlic cloves
1/2 heaping cup raw unsalted cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours for creamier result)
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
2-4 tablespoons nutritional yeast if you want vegan and dairy free, parmesan cheese if ya don't care.
I package Banza protein linguine noodles



Add the onion and 1 cup of the broth to a large pan over medium heat. Cook for about 8 minutes until the onion is very tender. Next, add the garlic and cook a couple of minutes more, stirring often. All of the broth should have evaporated by now. If not, keep letting it cook until the broth is gone. You don't want any more liquid once it's done cooking, so the end result is thick and creamy.


Add the cooked onion and garlic to a blender. Start out by adding JUST 1/2 cup more of the remaining broth and add the remaining ingredients (salt, pepper, cashews, starting with JUST 1 tablespoon lemon juice, nutritional yeast-starting with just 2 tablespoons yeast). Blend on high for a couple of minutes until very creamy and smooth. Taste and add any more salt & pepper if desired.


Cook your noodles according to package directions. Top with sauce. You can also add chicken or any protein or veggies of choice. For an easy chicken alfredo get a rotisserie chicken at your local grocery.



Thursday, July 18, 2019

Healthy Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta

Earlier this week I shared my Healthy Guilt Free Greek Pasta Salad  that was a HUGE hit in the house. So much so that they asked that I make it again. It kept great overnight in the fridge so it is a new favorite for picnics and lunches to our outdoor events, and for my husbands lunch at work. I use meal prep containers. You can make a double batch ahead of time when company comes. This would also be great to bring to potlucks or tailgates. Balance the fun out with some healthy yummy options.

Since the Penne Cauliflower Pasta was so great...I wanted to work more with this brand. As a reminder Veggiecraft Cauliflower pasta only has 3 ingredients:

Cauliflower - Which is full of fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and omega-3s, but it is low in carbs, sodium, and sugar as well.

Lentils - Packed with energy-sustaining plant-based proteins, lentils are a great source of folate and magnesium, which contribute to heart health and lower cholesterol. They are also full of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and stabilizes blood sugar, in addition to being low in calories and fat.

Peas - A great source of vitamin A which aids in eye health. They contain high levels of iron, fiber, and plant-based protein in addition to being low carb. Peas are also rich in antioxidants and maintain a low glycemic index, which controls blood sugar levels.

That is it. That's ALL that is in this pasta. 
It is
High Protein
Gluten-Free
Non-GMO
Dairy Free
Vegan ( although this recipe has cheese you can easily sub for nut cheese)


So yeah... since it was amazing I wanted more. Tonight I decided to work with the Spaghetti Cauliflower Pasta tonight. I have been craving Pesto. It is one way I LOVE to get in my greens. Tastes so good I never realize its full of veggies. You can use Pine nuts, or walnuts in place of pumpkin seeds if you wish. I have a sensitivity to some pine nuts so I just steer clear of them when I can. I love Pumpkin seeds and they are so good for you so that is why I chose them.

Healthy Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta

For the Pesto:
3/4 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled, roasted)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
Pink Himalayan Salt to taste

Add 1/2 cup of the pumpkin seeds (reserve the other 1/4 cup for topping) along with the rest of the ingredients to a blender or food processor and process until fully incorporated. It will look like green wet sand when done. Set aside. This can be put in a jar in the fridge if you want to use at a future date.

1 lb chicken sausage (optional)
1 8 oz package of Pasta

Cook pasta according to directions.
Cook sausage. I made mini meatballs with mine by rolling before cooking. I didn't eat mine with meat, I ate it with just the pine nuts. Husband LOVES his meat so I cooked it up for him. You can add whatever protein you like, or if using the HIGH PROTEIN Pasta You can leave it as is. Since it has 23 grams of protein already!

Add Pesto you made to the pasta and stir until the pasta is fully coated. 
Add protein if you desire. Top with toasted Pumpkin Seeds and serve. 

It is good hot or cold.


Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Greek Pasta Salad



Who doesn't like pasta? I love it, but traditional pasta doesn't love me. Makes me bloat and adds little to NO nutritional value. I am all about making every ingredient count, that is why I was so stoked to find Cauliflower pasta that indeed was HEALTHY!


Only 3 ingredients:

Cauliflower - Which is full of fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and omega-3s, but it is low in carbs, sodium, and sugar as well.

Lentils - Packed with energy-sustaining plant-based proteins, lentils are a great source of folate and magnesium, which contribute to heart health and lower cholesterol. They are also full of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and stabilizes blood sugar, in addition to being low in calories and fat.

Peas - A great source of vitamin A which aids in eye health. They contain high levels of iron, fiber, and plant-based protein in addition to being low carb. Peas are also rich in antioxidants and maintain a low glycemic index, which controls blood sugar levels. 

That is it. That's ALL that is in this pasta. 
It is
High Protein
Gluten-Free
Non-GMO
Dairy Free
Vegan ( although this recipe has cheese you can easily sub for nut cheese)

SO EAT UP! 
Get your Cauliflower High Protein Healthy Pasta Here

I have been craving all things Greek lately, so I decided to whip up a Greek Penne Pasta that is FULL of Veggies, and FANTASTIC for Summer days at the Beach, Park, etc... perfect for my adventurous life! This Greek pasta salad is a light and fresh combination of colorful veggies, olives, and feta cheese.

Try it and let me know what you think!


Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Makes 4 Servings 

8 ounces dry Penne pasta
1 1/2 cups cucumber diced
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1/4 cup red onion minced
1 green bell pepper diced
1/3 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese plus more for garnish
1/4 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish
5 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste



Prepare the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Strain.

Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, pepper, red onion, olives, parsley and feta cheese in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Add the pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.

Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat thoroughly. Serve, sprinkled with more parsley and feta cheese if desired.

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