Happy Pasta Day!

Pasta has been getting a bad rap in the past few years ever since the diet fads of Atkins, Paleo and Gluten Free have swept the nation. But can pasta.. gasp!.. be… healthy? Yes of course! Pasta (in correct portions and the right kind) can be a great source of fiber, Selenium and Manganese and is considered a heart healthy food with the correct add-ons and a GREAT source of energy for athletes.

Pasta is a perfect week night menu option because a) it’s cheap! And b) it’s quick! Two things I LOVE for weeknight dinners! (Hence why there is usually a pasta option in my menu planner each week!)

Below are some ways to whip up a quick, HEALTHY pasta meal!

Menu :
Pasta: Whole grain pasta (I like Barillas Plus, Ronzoni among others. There are now vegetable pastas now, gluten free options, etc as well)
Sauce: Jar of pasta sauce (Aim to buy the one with the least amount of sugar or use sauce recipe below)
Veggie side: I often add broccoli to my pasta but adding a side salad or fresh green beans works too!
Meat: Go meatless for a cheaper meal, or add ground sirloin or turkey meat to sauce, or Jenny O Sweet Italian turkey sausage. (I brown it the night before with some green peppers and onions for a quicker meal the next day after work!). Roasted chicken breast also pairs great with pasta too.

One pot recipes are PERFECT for week night. Less clean up and they are delish!  Here is one I found that my whole family enjoyed.

One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Ingredients
• 1 pound chicken breasts (can omit if wanted)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 8 oz (about 2½ cups) small, dry pasta
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice from one large or two small lemons
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spicy foods)
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and stir, cooking until soft and nearly translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken and cook until just browned.
5. Stir in the pasta, tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon juice, water, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil and continue to stir often, uncovered, for about nine minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese on top, and cover for ten minutes or until cheese is melted and remaining liquid is absorbed.

Fresh Pasta Sauce-

• 8 pounds tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 large onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In large saucepan, cook tomatoes and basil over medium-low heat until tomatoes are soft.
2. Meanwhile, in medium skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent.
3. Add onion mixture to tomato mixture and add salt and pepper. Let simmer on low heat for 2 hours or until thick.

(Halve the recipe if you don’t need as much or jar the leftovers !)

What is YOUR favorite go-to pasta recipe? Share below!

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