5 Healthier Noodle and Pasta Dishes
By Brandi Goodman
Noodle Month is just one of many observances held in March. Nutrition Month also takes place, making it the perfect time to try out some healthier noodle dishes that are actually worth eating. Though noodles and pasta aren't actually the same thing, many people use them interchangeably and have a variety of versions in their diet. Here are five healthy selections.
Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo
Orzo is a very small form of pasta. It more closely resembles rice in appearance. Use a whole-grain version for the healthiest option. You can make this dish in the slow cooker. Cut chicken breast, broth, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, onion, tomatoes, and herbs can be cooked together on low for four hours. Add in whole grain orzo and olives for 30 minutes and you have a delicious Mediterranean dish with plenty of protein and vitamins.
Roasted Red Pepper Spinach and Feta Penne Pasta
Meat isn't necessary for pasta. You can be equally as satisfied with spinach, red pepper, and feta cheese atop your noodles. It's another Mediterranean-inspired meal. Whole wheat penne is the healthiest version to use. Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, baby spinach, chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and a bit of pepper help this dish come together well with plenty of color and nutrients included.
Lemony Linguine With Spring Vegetables
Use less water when cooking this noodle dish and you won't even have to drain it. The leftover water and starch from the noodles gets combined with lemon and cheese to help make a delicious sauce. Whole wheat linguine, cloves of garlic, pepper, artichokes, spinach, lemon zest, lemon juice, and peas make up this recipe.
Cabbage Lo Mein
You'll get plenty of color from this dish as well -- which only means an abundance of nutrients and flavor for your benefit. Lo mein noodles, chile-garlic sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce, crushed red pepper, boneless, skinless chicken breast, and garlic are just the beginning. Add in fresh ginger, scallions, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, snow peas, thinly sliced cabbage, and mushrooms and you'll have an assortment of vitamins and antioxidants in your meal.
Sesame-Garlic Beef and Broccoli With Whole Wheat Noodles
Whole wheat noodles help to limit the calorie count of this meal. Go light on the beef and add extra broccoli for even more benefits. Plenty of protein and vitamins are available in this dish. Garlic, ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil make up the marinade. Boneless beef sirloin steak is a good option to trim for your meat.
Give some new noodle and pasta recipes a try and celebrate Noodle Month and Nutrition Month together. Plenty of healthy options are available that will give you your fix without adding a ton of calories and carbs to your daily count.
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