I admit, pasta is definitely more savory than sweet.
So what’s it doing on SkinnySweetTreats?
Well I’ve decided to expand the categories of what I post, so instead of just posting desserts and breakfasts, every so often I may share a healthy pizza recipe or skinny pasta recipe.
It may not be sweet, but lemme tell you, this pasta sure is a treat!
The combination of juicy tomatoes and salty feta with sweet avocado and spicy red pepper… Divine. Not to mention, this is a healthy (and speedy) alternative to the frozen lasagna or spaghetti you’ll find at a supermarket or cafeteria. And most likely ten times more delicious, too!
Although this may not be a dessert, this garden penne pasta will leave you just as satisfied as a slice of high-cal chocolate cake would. Why? Because the variety of flavors in this dish touch every corner of your palette and provide a filling, very high protein meal for any time of the day. In addition, this meal is so speedy that you can make it the morning in less than 15 minutes, pack it in a thermos, and be good to go for lunch. And unlike that questionable chicken wrap you’d otherwise be picking up when you’re starving around noon, these ingredients are whole, fresh, and oh so good.
Like I said, it may not be sweet but trust me, this dish is quite a treat!
Garden Penne Pasta
- 1/4 c uncooked whole wheat penne
- 1 c raw spinach
- 1/4 c diced tomatos (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 c cooked ground turkey meat
- 1/5 medium avocado (diced)
- 1/3 c chicken broth
- 1/8 c feta cheese
- 1/2 tbs basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil on the stove and pour in whole wheat penne pasta. Let boil for 8-10 minutes (or as directed) until al dente.
Meanwhile, pour chicken broth into a large skillet and let cook over over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add spinach lettuce, diced tomatos, ground turkey, and avocado. Reduce heat to medium and add basil, red pepper flakes, salt and extra virgin olive oil. Allow to cook, stirring often with a spatula, for 5 minutes, or until all of the liquid has evaporated.
Remove from heat and add strained penne. Stir until fully combined then pour into a bowl and top with feta cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)
Calories: 285
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 20g
Protein: 19g
(Yields 1 serving)
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