21 Healthyish Noodle Recipes That Will Satisfy Your Pasta Craving (2024)

FAQs

What should I eat if I want pasta? ›

If you don't have sauce in the house, grilled, stir-fried or baked veggies can add lots of flavor and texture. Butternut or acorn squash, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onion are all great options to add to a pasta dish, along with some minced garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

What makes a pasta dish healthy is usually down to what you have with it. Red, tomato-based sauces rather than creamy sauces are usually a healthier ready-made choice. They are likely to be lower in saturated fat and the tomatoes will also count towards your 5-a-day.

If You're Craving Carb-rich Foods

When you crave carb-heavy eats like bread and pasta, it may be because your energy levels have taken a nosedive. These same empty carbs can make you crave even more unhealthy foods.

Rice, bread and pasta

If you find yourself constantly craving fried rice, bread, noodles, potatoes, pasta, cake or donuts, it might be a sign that your body is exhausted. Carbohydrates are our body's most important source of fuel, and when we're tired, our body signals that it's time for an energy boost.

Herbs and Spices: Add a variety of herbs and spices to enhance flavor. Common choices include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs can bring a burst of freshness to the sauce. Tomato Paste: Stir in a tablespoon or two of tomato.

Fresh or dried herbs will also add flavor to pasta dishes.

"I use a lot of parsley, either fresh or even dried," Montillo said. "Oregano, garlic powder, onion flakes, black pepper all work well in a variety of sauces."

Cheese is an excellent way to add flavor to your pasta without having to rely on sauce. Try mixing your angel hair pasta with goat cheese, and toss in sun-dried tomatoes to make an amazing meal with just a few ingredients. Garlic butter is a terrific way to season all types of noodles.

The healthiest pasta sauces get most of their fat from olive oil (marinara) or olive oil and nuts (pesto), not cream or cheese (alfredo).

Is it OK if I eat pasta everyday? ›

It is possible to eat pasta daily and still be healthy. The key to eating pasta every day is to limit your portion size and supplement your pasta bowl with essential nutrients. The recommended portion size is two ounces of dry pasta or one cup of cooked pasta.

Good sandwich choices include sliced deli or rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, lean roast beef, canned salmon or tuna, nut butter, grilled tempeh or tofu, smashed cooked beans, and reduced-fat cheese.

Yes, you can eat pasta and still stick to your weight loss goals and lose fat. The main consideration to keep in mind when making food choices while trying to lose weight is to remain in a calorie deficit. Very simply, if your body uses more calories than you consume, then you will lose weight.

Dietitians and other health care professionals should consider pasta as a low-glycemic carbohydrate option within the context of a healthy diet or a weight loss/weight maintenance diet.

You could try grains like couscous, quinoa and barley to introduce a new flavour to your favourite dishes. Barley and quinoa are both low-GI foods, and quinoa is also a source of protein and fibre, and works particularly well in salads.