Pasta With A Twist(Light Choice)
A light and flavorful pasta dish featuring mushrooms, carrots, and herbs in a savory lemon sauce, perfect for a quick, wholesome meal that appeals to health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Argo cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine, divided ⓘ
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, cut in matchsticks ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 8 ounces twist macaroni, cooked and drained
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine water, bouillon cubes, and cornstarch; stir to blend.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of margarine over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms, matchstick-cut carrots, dried red pepper, minced garlic, and dried basil.
- Stirring constantly, cook for 2 minutes, then remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of margarine to the skillet and sauté the chopped onion for 3 minutes.
- Re-stir the cornstarch mixture and pour it into the skillet.
- Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and heat through.
- Stir in lemon juice and cooked macaroni until well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some diced bell peppers or adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the onions. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, swap the twist macaroni for a gluten-free pasta alternative. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also enhance the dish's aroma. Alternatively, for a creamier texture, incorporate a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta With A Twist pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Lemon Chicken On Angel Hair Pasta for a delightful dinner spread or alongside Italian recipes for a themed gathering. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can be a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With A Twist(Light Choice) contains roughly 314 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
How can I make the pasta dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chili peppers while sautéing the vegetables. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra punch of heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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).