[casey87]

So, this is an actual 2 oz (dry), 200 calorie serving of pasta. DEPRESSING.

[Lovely]

By itself? Sure. Kinda bland looking and sad, too...

But throw in some steamed broccoli, a light tomato sauce, some grilled sliced chicken.

Then that bowl is full =)

[OhMyDogs]

Oh I know it's sad...I pretty much avoid pasta now because it's so calorie dense that in my mind, it's just not worth eating. I have always LOVED pasta, but it wasn't that hard to get used to not eating it (don't get me wrong, I am not anti-pesto ...erm I mean anti-pasta), it's just one of those things that just isn't worth it anymore (for the most part).

[chickadee32]

I still eat pasta, just in small servings (a serving size or less). Tonight for dinner I made whole wheat cheese tortellini with chicken, mushrooms, turkey bacon and a goat cheese/parmesean cream sauce, and served it on a bed of sauteed spinch. 362 calories, 12g fat, 7g fiber, 30g protein and 34g carbs. It was really good, and plenty filling!

[Sugar Sherry]

Hi! I haven't been on 3FC in a long time but just had to respond and say that meal sounds delicious! Do you have an actual recipe?
Thanks!
~Sherry

[dragonlady1978]

It is definitely depressing. I haven't had pasta in 3 months

I LOVE pasta but I don't think it is worth the cost either. For heaven's sake I might as well eat a friggin hershey bar for the calories and carbs.

[FatPantsSkinnyJeans]

Ehhh, I'm with Lovely.

The best way to use up the veggies in the fridge that are just about to go bad? Sautee them in garlic/teeny bit of olive oil, throw in some chicken (which you've already baked or grilled to be prepared for the week; hahaha), mix with your pasta, and top with either fresh chopped tomatoes/a sprinkle of parmesan, or sauce (even the jar stuff, there's good natural brands out there!) and POOF! You have a filling, balanced, and cheap dinner.

I do agree with you though, the little pile of dry noodles is Le Sad. Mix it up, see what you can create!

[taramade]

That IS sad!! But the awesome suggestions from the other 3FC members sound great!! I think I may have to make one of these for dinner tonight!

[seagirl]

Angel hair pasta gives you more volume for the weight, since it's so thin. I like to mix it with sauteed shrimp and leeks with a little chicken broth and parm cheese.

Also, you can always have 300 or 400 calories worth of pasta if that fits into your calorie budget. Just because a serving = 2 oz, doesn't mean that's the exact amount you have to eat.

[zenor77]

I was going to say what seagirl already said. Spaghetti and angel hair gives you the illusion of more pasta. Pappardella will really give you more volume. I say, try different shapes and add veggies and protein to make it more of a meal.

That picture is of the pasta dry, right? Pasta expands a lot when cooked, so it's really not as depressing as it seems.

[readyfreddy]

Le sigh.

I hardly ever eat pasta because of this. ALso - it is yummy to use a wedge of laughing cow as a "creamy" sauce

[mandalinn82]

Two things. One, if you have the budget for it, FiberGourmet pasta is lower calorie for the same portion size (130 cals vs 200), tastes like regular, and has a ton of fiber.

Two, I agree with all of the others who suggest adding veggies. I can get a giant plateful of dinner if I mix my one serving of pasta with lean protein and a lot of veggies (my favorite combo is chicken sausage, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and eggplant), plus sauce.

[aimeebell]

[QUOTE=mandalinn82;3855284]Two things. One, if you have the budget for it, FiberGourmet pasta is lower calorie for the same portion size (130 cals vs 200), tastes like regular, and has a ton of fiber. QUOTE]

I will have to look for that. Is it sold in regular grocery stores?

I have pasta or rice much less frequently and in smaller portions now, but still a couple times a week because it's easy, fast, and my kids like it. It was 6 o'clock last night before I had time to even think about what was for dinner. I had grilled chicken in the fridge, boiled some mini-penne, added some peas and mushrooms, a bit of butter, some goat cheese, and 15 minutes later dinner was served and it was a delicious, nutritious 550 calorie meal.....but honestly, I would have liked another bowl.

[Munchy]

If I'm just eating my pasta with tomato sauce and veggies, I like to forgo the pasta and serve the sauce and veggies over quick cooking barley. It's quicker than pasta and has a heartier flavor.
If I need noodles, it's most often in a noodle bowl and I just use shirataki. Because the calories are so low, I can add in a little extra protein and enjoy a huge bowl.

[mandalinn82]

I've never seen fibergourmet in a grocery store. I have to mail order it. It's worth it, to me.

http://www.fibergourmet.com/Default.aspx