Have you ever tried partially or fully substituting the white pasta in your dish with tastier, more calorie-saving alternatives? Of course making the switch to whole grain pasta is a great option but you can also surprise your taste buds with these additional healthier options.
1. Zucchini is not only great for roasting. The versatile vegetable can be spiralized and be incorporated into a tasty pasta dish. Dress this up with pesto or a garlicky, marinara sauce.
2. Spinach pasta has a delicious earthy flavor that is quite delightful when coupled with low-fat alfredo sauce. Add mushrooms and sweet peas for some extra flavor.
3. One cup of spaghetti squash can save you up to 180 calories. Load up on the spaghetti squash and you can save room for a healthy dessert! Black Bean Fudge-Walnut Brownies anyone?
4. Kelp noodles have virtually no calories. Start off by rinsing off the noodles and softening them with some lemon juice and sea salt. Rinse off the noodles again and top with your favorite pasta sauce. Try this delicious new recipe from the Sea Tangle Noodle Company:
KELP NOODLE AND VEGETABLE STIR FRY
- 12 ounces Kelp Noodles
- ½ cup onion
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup carrots
- ½ cup red bell pepper
- ½ cup mushrooms
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Tamari or soy sauce, to taste
- Dash of sugar or sugar alternative, to taste
- Dash of salt and pepper
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
Sauté the garlic in the olive oil. Add the vegetables and sauté until cooked. Add the rinsed Kelp Noodles along with the soy sauce, sugar, and broth and mix. Sauté until the noodles have softened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Remember that you don’t have to sacrifice on taste while saving on calories when substituting some or all of that white pasta.
