Does your family enjoy pasta night? Pasta is always a fun, easy and versatile meal to put into your weekly rotation! Mixing up the sauce, vegetables, protein and even the type of pasta can help keep your family’s taste buds on their toes. To clarify – when we say change the type of pasta, we do not just mean the shape! The world of pasta has grown to include noodles made from a variety of sources including beans, lentils, chia seeds, veggies and more! These alternative pasta noodles are packed with great nutrients to fuel your family’s bodies.
Hy-Vee dietitians are here to help inspire you mix it up with your pasta! We have put together our top three favorite nutrient-packed pastas:
- Red Lentil Pasta
This pasta brings a unique color to your dinner table for pasta night! Along with the rich color, you also get an average of 13-15 grams of protein and 6-7 grams of fiber per serving. This makes it a great option for a meatless meal as well! - Chickpea Pasta
Many brand name pasta companies are coming out with great alternatives, including pasta made from chickpeas. This pasta, like the black bean pasta, is full of great nutrients including 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per 2 ounce serving. These pastas also come in a variety of shapes, but look similar to traditional white pasta noodles, making them an easy swap for any picky eaters in the family. - Dietitian Tip: Use Banza Pasta in your next meatless Monday meal.
- Veggie Spirals
Looking to increase your vegetable intake? Try using veggie spirals for your pasta night. You can find veggie spirals made from zucchini, sweet potato and even butternut squash. Choosing veggie spirals will not only add to your servings of vegetables, but it will also offer your body a whole host of great vitamins and minerals. To try even more options, you can purchase a spiralizer and make your own veggie noodles at home. - Dietitian Tip: Keep a spiralizer at home to make pasta out of your favorite veggies.
Our advice: Mix it up for your next pasta night by changing out your noodle selection and loading your meal with extra nutrients. If you are also looking for new recipes to go along with these pasta options, visit https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas or reach out to your local dietitian. Hy-Vee dietitians enjoy sharing fun tips and advice to make your life happier and healthier. We are available to schedule a FREE Dietitian Discovery Session virtually or in-person at select locations. Go to https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx and find your dietitian.
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
