Pizza and pasta are often seen as indulgent, calorie-laden foods that should be avoided if you’re trying to lose weight. However, there are plenty of healthy ways to enjoy these dishes without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Here we have provided some healthy and delicious pizza and pasta recipes to satisfy your cravings while sticking to your weight loss goal.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tomato sauce and toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Microwave the cauliflower in a covered bowl for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Top with tomato sauce and your favorite toppings, and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the cooked shells with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
- Spread the tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and cover them with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Zucchini Noodles with Chicken and Pesto
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to make zucchini noodles.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the zucchini noodles and pesto sauce to the skillet and toss to combine.
The Conclusion
These 10 healthy pizza and pasta recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste or satisfaction to lose weight. By using wholesome ingredients and smart substitutions, you can indulge in your favorite comfort foods without guilt.