Category Archives: Pasta

Greek Orzo

Orzo is one of my favorite pastas – I have to be careful because when it’s around, I have a hard time keeping to my serving size ! This recipe is especially good and incorporates 2 strong flavors that go well together, sun dried tomatoes and feta cheese. Next time I might add some fresh basil just before serving.

Greek Orzo
Greek Orzo

2 servings
293 calories per serving

1 ½ c chicken broth
½ c orzo
2 T minced sun dried tomatoes
2 T crumbled feta cheese
1/8 t kosher salt
1/8 t pepper

Bring broth to a boil and stir in orzo and cook until liquid is absorbed, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes and feta. Stir until feta melts a bit. Season with salt and pepper.

Cavatelli with Escarole

This is one of my absolute favorites and I have made it many times. It’s a great meal to serve for guests as they do not feel like they are on a diet (just give them bigger portions) and you don’t have to break your 400 calorie habit when entertaining !

Cavatelli with Escarole
Cavatelli with Escarole

4 servings
359 calories per serving

8 oz frozen cavatelli
1 1/2 t oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb. escarole
1 can small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 c low fat chicken broth
1/4 t salt
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese

Cook the cavatelli according to package instructions. Drain and keep warm. In a Dutch oven or large pot heat oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and red pepper and cook, stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Clean the escarole, trimming away any bad spots and getting rid of the tough outer leaves and then chop it or tear it into pieces about the same size you would make them for a salad. Add a handful of escarole at a time to the pot stirring until it is all mixed well. Cook 5 minutes. Add the beans and cook 5 or more minutes, or until the escarole is wilted. Add the broth and salt and garlic powder and cook 5 minutes. Add the cavatelli and cook a minute or so, just to heat through pasta. Remove from pan, sprinkle with cheese, and serve immediately.

Tortellini Alpesto

Cheese tortellini, even in smaller portions, are very filling and satisfying. This meal also packs in tons of veggies and a great sauce that sooooo does not say diet. It’s almost a pesto alfredo the way the sauce flavors combine.

Tortellini Alpesto
Tortellini Alpesto

4 servings
335 calories per serving

9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
16 oz frozen broccoli stir fry vegetables
8 oz fat free sour cream
2 T pesto sauce (Buitoni makes a good one)
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese
1/8 t pepper
¼ t garlic powder
Salt to taste

Cook tortellini and vegetables together in 3 quarts of water 7-9 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl. Combine sour cream, pesto, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Stir into pasta and veggies. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Rice and Pasta with Parmesan Cheese

Tasty, Tasty, Tasty !  This beats the pants off a 300+ calorie serving of Rice a Roni.  Serve with Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Crock Pot 20 Clove Chicken for a great complete meal under 400 calories.


Rice and Pasta with Parmesan Cheese
Rice and Pasta with Parmesan Cheese




6 servings
166 calories per serving (serving = 2/3 cup)

2 T oil
½ c vermicelli broken into very small pieces
1 c white rice
1 ¼ c hot vegetable or chicken stock or broth (Emeril’s is great !)
¼ t pepper
Salt to taste
2 bay leaves
1 t parsley flakes
2 T parmesan or romano cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add vermicelli and sauté until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add in rice, broth and water along with salt and pepper, bay leaves and parsley. Cover and simmer on medium low 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and let stand covered 5 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

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