Spaghetti is a beloved dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. Unfortunately, it can also be high in calories and make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet.
But fear not! With this spaghetti recipe, you can cut your calorie intake in half and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this low-calorie spaghetti recipe:.
- 1 pound of whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Follow these simple instructions to create a tasty, low-calorie spaghetti dish:.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is melted and well combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan and toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Benefits of Whole Wheat Spaghetti
One of the reasons why this spaghetti recipe is lower in calories is because it uses whole wheat spaghetti instead of traditional white pasta.
Whole wheat spaghetti is a healthier option because it is made from whole grains, which are full of nutrients and fiber.
Some of the health benefits of whole wheat spaghetti include:.
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Better blood sugar control
- Improved digestion
- More filling and satisfying, which can lead to weight loss
Ways to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about spaghetti is that it can be customized to suit any taste. Here are some ways that you can modify this recipe to make it your own:.
- Add some protein: If you want to make this dish more filling, consider adding some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be great options.
- Add some veggies: This recipe is fairly low on vegetables, so feel free to add some more. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be delicious.
- Make it spicy: If you like spicy food, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce to give this dish a kick.
- Use different herbs: If you don’t like basil or oregano, swap them out for your favorite herbs. Thyme, rosemary, or sage would all be great choices.
Conclusion
Spaghetti doesn’t have to be a high-calorie meal that sabotages your diet. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying dish while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Give it a try and see how delicious low-calorie spaghetti can be!.