Pasta gets a bad rep. Sure, most people agree that it’s delicious.But then there’s talk of the carbs and the glycemic index and suddenly pasta doesn’t seem like a great option.
Though I am by no means a nutritionist, I’m here to tell you that pasta can be healthy. If you choose a whole grain version and eat just one serving, you don’t have anything to worry about.
The best way to ensure your pasta is good for you is to add good stuff to it. Chicken, broccoli, milk, peas. Of course you’ll likely want to add cheese, too, but with moderation, it’s all good.
This pasta is delightful on its own. It’s coated in the creamy cheese sauce and sprinkled with herbs. The sauce is garlicky and flavorful without being heavy. In the batch pictured here I added just chicken, but I’ve also made it with onions and peppers and it was brilliant.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
adapted from Lil’ Luna
1/2 box whole grain pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk (I use skim)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
additional add-ins, such as chicken or vegetables (optional)
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain pasta and return to pan.
While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add flour and stir constantly, about one minute, until flour and butter form a thick mixture.
Continue to stir as you add milk and chicken broth. Cook until sauce thickens and begins to boil. Add Italian seasoning, Parmesan, salt and pepper and stir an additional 2-3 minutes, until cheese melts.
Pour drained pasta into pan with sauce; add any other desired ingredients. Fold gently until pasta is coated with sauce.
What scrumptious extras would you add to this dish?