Squash as a pasta sauce base may sound unusual, but this is something community nutrition educator Dana Mealing, RDN, LDN, has been serving up for years— and it has yet to be rejected by picky eaters. This is a great way to make a rich, flavorful pasta sauce that is thick and creamy without adding extra saturated fat, and the bright orange color gives the illusion of being extra cheesy, making it irresistible to kids. This sauce is also great for smothering other veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. If you’re looking for a unique way to get more veggies in your diet this fall, you’ve found it! For an extra filling all-in-one meal, try using a pasta made from lentils or chickpeas!
Tag: pasta
The Best Peas and Pasta
Peas are far more versatile than they’re given credit for. It’s likely you’re used to something like a pile of peas, topped with a little pat of salted butter, rolling away on your plate. But so much more can be done with peas! They can be braised, roasted or pureed into a hummus type dip or a creamy sauce base like this recipe. If you buy whole pea pods, they’re great as a raw snack, sliced and added to salads, or sauteed or even grilled. This recipe features a thick, creamy, garlicy sauce made from pureed peas. Peas are a good plant-based protein high in fiber and they’re an excellent addition to something like pasta. Top this with grilled chicken or shrimp and consider garnishing with some chopped sun-dried tomato to complete the meal.
Spinach Stuffed Shells
This ricotta-and-spinach-stuffed shells recipe will become a family favorite and a great way to get the family to eat their spinach! For less calories, use part-skim milk ricotta and mozzarella. For more fiber use whole grain shells.
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One-Pot Garlic Pasta
In less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal for four with shrimp! You can substitute any vegetables you have on hand to make this recipe your own!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This recipe is good comfort food for the cooler weather, and it’s a healthier twist on a classic. The use of whole wheat pasta increases the fiber and fullness. If you want to lessen the saturated fat and calories, replace with part-skim mozzarella.
Greek Chicken Pasta
Pasta dishes are a quick weeknight meal, but we are often at a loss for creating something different. This Greek Chicken Pasta dish is so flavorful and, most importantly, simple to make. It uses the classic garlic and olive oil of many Greek dishes with the unique flavor of marinated artichokes and the freshness of lemon. Try whole wheat linguine to make it even healthier!
Spinach, Peppers, and Cherry Tomatoes with Penne
Before you grab the jarred spaghetti sauce on pasta night try this easy to prepare, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish. It is sure to become a family favorite!
Lightened Up Pasta Fagioli Soup
When thinking about soup as a meal, Pasta Fagioli is a go-to soup. It’s use of low sodium canned vegetables and ground turkey makes it a quick and healthy meal option that is high in fiber.
Autumn Crunch Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is generally thought of as a summer side, but this crispy, delicious pasta salad is filled with nutrition and flavor.
Pasta with White Beans and Kale
Simple but flavorful, this bean and pasta dish is a perfect entrée and makes a great side dish as well! Best of all it’s ready in 20 minutes!