Whole grain spaghetti recipes for pasta lovers

Can whole-grain spaghetti be just as good as regular noodles? The answer is yes.

The whole-wheat version will provide the eater with a healthy burst of much energy. There are many different recipes that can be found online. In order to create a meal that’s easy to make, doesn’t have too much preparation or cooking time, and tastes great, the Internet provides many interesting and diverse options for dinner.

Below, is a small list of potential healthy spaghetti recipes for the avid reader (and cook). Without any further adieu, here are some healthy alternatives to help spice up your dinner entrees.

Why Whole-Grain?

Whole-grain pasta — and whole-grain foods in general — are endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and meet their current dietary guidelines for US citizens. Research has shown that they can help to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Heart disease, and other such maladies, have been shown to be lowered thanks to an increased intake of foods containing them.

The USDA wants Americans to follow the guidelines and eat at least two to three servings of whole grains per day. With all this being said, whole wheat pasta can be a great way to add the necessary fiber requirements while also adding some delicious variety to your otherwise mundane daily menu.

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Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Pecorino, Prosciutto, and Pepper

Coming straight from Giada De Laurentiis and the Food Network, we get a balanced meal that’s easy to make and delicious to devour. Giada has two shows on the Food Network and has been a caterer and cook for most of her life.

For Giada’s recipe, the total time in the kitchen should be around 15 minutes, with approximately 5 for preparation and 10 for necessary cooking time. The ingredients consist of:

• 1 lb. whole-grain spaghetti
• 2 T. peppercorns
• 1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 C. grated pecorino
• 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1/4 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 C. fresh basil leaves, chopped

The recipe will make 4 to 6 servings, according to the website. If you want less, cut down on the ingredients to make only 1 or 2 servings. For preparation and cooking, head over to the Food Network page to have Giada show you personally how to make that next great batch of healthy pasta. 

Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Garlic, Kale, and Tomatoes

Here’s another recipe that is easy to make and tasty to eat. What you’ll need in order to serve 4 people will be:

• 6 ounces whole-grain spaghetti
• 2 T. olive oil
• 1 med. red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 bunch kale, with stems taken off and its leaves cut into small, bite-size pieces (about 8 cups)
• 2 pints grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/3 C. roasted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 C. pecorino, grated

With very easy to follow directions, the Real Simple website offers 3 steps for total completion. And time to finish the culinary creation stands at about 30 minutes, for prep and cooking combined.

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti and Meatballs

Heading over to the Eating Well website, one can find some great healthy spaghetti recipes, and more with lasagna, fettuccine, and tortellini. They use whole-wheat breadcrumbs in the meatballs and actually bake them instead of frying. Overall, preparation time on this meal will be in the 30 minute range, with a total time ending up at the 1 hour and 15 minute mark. For this culinary creation, though, it will be well worth it. For the full recipe, click here.

Be sure to head back over to the Food Network, as well. They have many, many potential recipes for healthy pasta lovers. Those looking to try something new in terms of cooking, or those just interested in creating healthier alternatives for meals, will find something to inspire them. Giada De Laurentiis, specifically, offers up quite a few options for those looking to add more unprocessed into their diet. So, cook away and be both healthy and smart in your culinary creations.

Resources:

Cooking Light: Whole-Grain Pastas.

Eating Well: Whole-Grain Pasta Recipes.

Above image attributed to La.blasco