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

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 =)

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).

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

[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.

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.

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