Home Healthy Recipes Spinach Spaghetti with Grated Cheese



Spinach Spaghetti with Grated Cheese

No of Servings	:	Five
Preparation Time	:	8 Mintues
Cooking Time	:	12 Mintues

Ingredients

• 5 oz low carbohydrate uncooked spaghetti 9 oz chopped spinach
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp finely minced basil
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

• Boil plenty of water in a pot and cook the spaghetti as per the package instructions, but omit the salt (to decrease the sodium content of the recipe). Make sure that the spaghetti does not get overcooked. Drain when it becomes tender and keep aside.
• Meanwhile, cook the spinach in the microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes till the leaves are wilted.
• Heat a medium non-stick skillet and add 1 tablespoon olive oil in it. Add the spinach and saute for approximately 3 to 4 minutes till all water has evaporated. Spinach can form clusters, so make sure to keep sauteing to keep it well divided.
• Once the spinach is done, add garlic, basil and pepper to taste, Mix well.
• Turn off the heat and add parmesan cheese.
• Put the drained pasta in a deep bowl; add the spinach mixture and the remaining olive oil.
• Toss well and serve immediately.
• This dish is a good accompaniment of soups.

Nutritional Information:

(Amounts Per Serving)

ENERGY	PROTEIN	CARBOHYDRATES	FAT(total)	SODIUM	CHOLESTEROL
191kcal	8g	24g	8g	139mg	6mg

Health Tips

• Spinach spaghetti with grated cheese is a very good recipe for people with elevated blood glucose levels or with hypertension, as it is low in calories, carbohydrates and sodium.
• Pasta also digests slowly, therefore prevents a sharp incline in blood glucose levels.
• The sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease cholesterol and also reduce the risk of colon and stomach cancer.
• Each serving gives 8 grams of protein, which improves satiety and regulates the release of sugar into the blood.
• The parmesan cheese used is very flavorful, thus the small quantity imparts the 'cheese factor' to the recipe without the addition of high calorie, heavy cheeses.
• Spinach used is a good source of fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron and Vitamins A and C. The lutein, carotenoids and zeaxanthin also help to prevent macular degeneration and might help reverse some signs of ageing.
• Instead of spaghetti, pasta can also be used to add variety and texture.
• Mushrooms and other vegetables can be added to this recipe to make it more nutritious.