The easiest pasta recipe for a diet is the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light and delicious meal without feeling guilty. This recipe contains simple and healthy ingredients like boiled pasta, colorful bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, making it rich in vitamins and minerals. These ingredients help enhance digestive health thanks to the fiber in the peppers and tomatoes. Olive oil provides the healthy fats the body needs, while cottage cheese adds the necessary protein to maintain muscles. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with benefits that support heart and immune system health. Let's start preparing the easiest diet pasta!
Ingredients:
1- 50 grams of boiled pasta
2- 1 bell pepper
3- 60 grams of cherry tomatoes
4- 1 whole garlic clove
5- Salt
6- Olive oil
7- 50 grams of cottage cheese
Preparation:
1- In any baking dish, add the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes.
2- Sprinkle with salt and a spoonful of olive oil.
3- Place the dish in the oven or air fryer at 190°C for 15 minutes.
4- In a blender, add the ingredients with the cottage cheese and blend well.
5- In the pasta dish, add the mixture and stir well.
Cooking Tips
If you prefer a spicy flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or hot pepper according to your taste.
If you like a richer taste, you can roast a garlic clove before blending.
It’s best to eat the pasta immediately after preparation to maintain the fresh flavor and vegetable texture.
Note: The diet pasta is suitable for individuals following a low-calorie diet or those aiming to lose weight. However, it may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies or celiac disease unless gluten-free pasta is used. Be sure to choose ingredients that suit your individual nutritional needs.
Health Benefits:
- Boiled Pasta: Contains complex carbohydrates that provide sustainable energy for the body and help improve digestive health due to its fiber content.
- Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamin C, which boosts immune health and acts as an antioxidant. It also contains vitamin A, which supports eye health.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. They are also rich in vitamin C, which supports skin health.
- Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it helps strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart health.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy unsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It also contains antioxidants that fight aging and improve skin health.
- Cottage Cheese: A great source of protein and calcium, it helps build muscles and improve bone and dental health. It also contains probiotics that promote gut health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe suitable for the keto diet?
No, regular pasta is high in carbohydrates, which makes it unsuitable for keto. You can substitute it with zucchini noodles or konjac pasta if you're looking for a keto-friendly alternative.
Can I add animal protein?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken slices or light tuna, which will increase the protein content and make the dish more filling. However, keep in mind that it will also increase the calorie count slightly.
Can I store the pasta in the fridge?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must store it, place it in an airtight container in the fridge and consume it within one day to avoid any change in flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or dinner?
It works perfectly for both! It makes a light, nutritious lunch or a healthy, guilt-free dinner.
Can I prepare the recipe without using the oven? Are there alternatives with similar results?
Yes, you can skip the oven. If you don’t have one, you can simply use an air fryer or a non-stick pan on low heat to sauté the bell peppers and tomatoes — you’ll get almost the same result.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use oat pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even gluten-free pasta if you have an allergy or follow a specific diet.
What if I don’t have colored bell peppers?
You can use regular green bell pepper, or even add some grated carrots as a nice substitute for taste and color.
Can I replace cottage cheese?
You can replace it with light Greek yogurt or light feta cheese. Just keep in mind the differences in calories and texture.
Nutritional Value and Calories:
- Boiled Pasta (50 grams):
- Calories: Approximately 70 kcal
- Protein: 2.5 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Bell Pepper (1 medium piece):
- Calories: Approximately 25 kcal
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 95% of daily requirement
- Cherry Tomatoes (60 grams):
- Calories: Approximately 15 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.5 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 20% of daily requirement
- Garlic (1 clove):
- Calories: Approximately 4 kcal
- Protein: 0.2 grams
- Fat: 0.02 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0.1 gram
- Contains antibacterial and antiviral compounds
- Olive Oil (1 teaspoon):
- Calories: Approximately 40 kcal
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 4.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Contains healthy unsaturated fats (Omega-9)
- Cottage Cheese (50 grams):
- Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Calcium: 10% of daily requirement
Total Calories for the Listed Ingredients: Approximately 204 kcal