Margarita'S Pasta Primavera(Low Calorie)
A light, flavorful pasta primavera featuring fresh vegetables and cottage cheese, perfect for a low-calorie, nutritious meal that appeals to health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 c. low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. acceptable vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen no-salt-added broccoli, steamed ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain any liquid off of the cottage cheese.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese and lemon juice and set aside.
- Cook the thin spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat acceptable vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, sliced green bell pepper, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Add sliced mushrooms and steamed broccoli to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes.
- Mix in the cottage cheese and lemon mixture, stirring until well combined and heated through.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately garnished with chopped scallions.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or switching the vegetable oil for olive oil for a richer taste. You can substitute zucchini or asparagus for the green bell pepper if desired. If you're looking for a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp, which pairs beautifully with this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta primavera is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side of garlic bread or a refreshing salad for a complete dinner. Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage option. For dessert, consider serving with a slice of Italian Cream Cake Icing to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margarita'S Pasta Primavera(Low Calorie) contains roughly 977 calories, with 18g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (315% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2588mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of thin spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti can be a great substitute and will add extra fiber to the dish. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions to ensure it's cooked to your desired texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta primavera holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store the components separately and combine them when you're ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don't have fresh vegetables?
If fresh vegetables are unavailable, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet to avoid excess moisture in the dish. This makes it an easy option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).