Healthy Pasta Bolognese
This is very easy to make and tastes great High Protein and High Fiber
This is very easy to make and tastes great High Protein and High Fiber
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 box banza shells (chickpeas) or pow pasta (lentils
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 oz ( i prefer the rao’s brand). ski with simple ingredients. it’ll taste much better too!
- 1 lb 93% ground turkey or 93% ground beef
- seasonings: add whatever you prefer - i personally garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes
- Carbohydrate 50.9294035087719 g
- Cholesterol 60.78106 mg
- Fat 13.2825890087719 g
- Fiber 12.7323507557678 g
- Protein 43.3411497493734 g
- Saturated Fat 1.18279814285714 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (320g)
- Sodium 162.08896 mg
- Sugar 38.1970527530041 g
- Trans Fat 9.84572286591479 g
- Calories 507 calories
Step-by-step
- Add Olive Oil to large pan on medium high heat and cook ground meat until no longer pink. Add preferred spices.
- Bring pot of salted water to a rolling boil (a lot of bubbles!) on high heat
- Add jar of sauce to pan of cooked meat. Turn heat down to low and cover, stirring occasionally.
- Add box of Banza Pasta to Boiling Water. Stir occasionally. Cook to time listed on package (do not overcook - I recommend about 8 minutes).
- Drain Pasta
- Add Pasta to Plate, top with Meat Sauce
- Turn off burner for sauce and pasta! (Very important!!)
- Top with a little grated or shredded Parmesan cheese if you'd like (be careful - it's easy to go overboard on this one and add too many extra calories).
- Eat up!!
Healthy Pasta Bolognese: A Busy Mom's Quick and Nutritious Meal
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws my way leaves little room for elaborate meal preparation. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both healthy and quick to make. This Healthy Pasta Bolognese fits the bill perfectly! It's packed with protein and fiber, satisfies my family's craving for comforting pasta, and takes less than 30 minutes to whip up.
Forget the heavy, calorie-laden versions of Bolognese you've had before. This recipe utilizes Banza pasta, made from chickpeas or lentils. It's a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, offering a similar texture but boasting significantly higher protein and fiber content. This means I'm feeding my family a nutritious meal that keeps them full and energized, without the guilt of processed carbs. The secret to this recipe's incredible flavor lies in the simplicity. I keep it minimal, focusing on quality ingredients to let their natural taste shine. The rich tomato sauce, combined with lean ground turkey (or beef), creates a symphony of flavor that leaves everyone wanting more.
The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. I personally love garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. But the possibilities are endless! You can add vegetables, adjust the spices to your liking, or even use a different type of ground meat. The versatility makes it perfect for those nights when you want a quick, healthy meal but don't want to compromise on taste.
The best part? Clean-up is a breeze! There are minimal dishes to wash, leaving me with more time to spend with my family instead of scrubbing pots and pans. This recipe has become a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation, and I highly recommend you try it. It's a delicious, healthy, and efficient way to feed your family without sacrificing your precious time or energy.
Beyond the Weeknight Meal:
This recipe isn’t just for busy weeknights; it's incredibly versatile. Leftovers make for a fantastic packed lunch the next day, perfect for taking to work or school. The hearty nature of the dish ensures it remains satisfying and flavorful even when cold. You can also easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prepping. It's just as delicious reheated, making it a great option for meal prepping throughout the week.
Tips for Success:
Choosing Your Pasta: Banza pasta is readily available in most supermarkets now, and the chickpea or lentil options are both fantastic. Experiment to find your preferred texture.
Spice it Up: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations. Fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor significantly.
Sauce Selection: I prefer Rao's marinara sauce for its rich, simple flavor, but any high-quality pasta sauce will work.
Meat Choice: Lean ground turkey or beef (at least 93% lean) is recommended to keep the dish healthy.
Cheese is Optional: While a little Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch, it's entirely optional and can be skipped to keep the calorie count down.
This Healthy Pasta Bolognese is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy families seeking a healthy and delicious meal. It’s a testament to the fact that nutritious eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Try it out, and let me know what you think! I'm sure it will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
