In general, pasta, which is normally created by combining unleavened wheat flour with water and boiling the mixture, has a negative image in the fitness community. However, you can eat Italian fast food guilt-free as part of your diet. Whole-grain pasta might help you reduce your calorie and carb intake because it is rich in fiber and minerals.

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Sicilian Spicy Pasta

Sicilian spicy pasta is a delicious dish that incorporates traditional flavors of the region. Here’s a recipe that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it begins to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the chopped Kalamata olives and drained capers. Simmer the sauce for another 5-10 minutes.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
7. Garnish the Sicilian spicy pasta with fresh parsley, fresh basil, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve hot.

Whole Wheat Pasta in Mushroom Sauce

Whole wheat pasta in mushroom sauce is a healthy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here’s a recipe that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound whole wheat pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it begins to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they have released their liquid and are tender.
5. Add the vegetable broth to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer the mushroom mixture for 5-10 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Add the cooked whole wheat pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the mushroom sauce.
8. Garnish the whole wheat pasta in mushroom sauce with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Ravioli Pasta with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass Sauce

Red Sauce Pasta