Pasta is an Italian kitchen staple therefore it is part of my kitchen. But it is also part of my fitness and nutrition kitchen and has been ever since my high school tennis team had annual pasta parties the night before the State Finals. When I became a runner, pasta became part of my pre-long run regimen to help fuel me the next day.
Admittedly though, I am a pasta snob. I will not just eat pasta anywhere. I only order pasta in a restaurant 1) if we are in Italy, 2) it is a foodie type of Italian restaurant, and 3) if I have eaten there before and have tried the pasta. (I warned you about my snobbishness). It must be cooked al dente, not be swimming in sauce, and preferably not have meatballs (we can talk about the differences between northern and southern Italian cuisine another day).
Here is the thing about pasta….it is quick, it is good for you (portion control is important), and it is easy. Growing up, if it was late and dinner had not been made yet….we made pasta. If we had gotten home from a trip and there was not much in the kitchen to eat, we did not order delivery or go for carry out, we made pasta. There is even an Italian tradition of pasta at midnight. Now that I am working from home, and trying to make the most of the work hours between bus pick up and bus drop off for Principessa, I have found a perfect solution for a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch….pasta.
But not just any pasta. Barilla, one of my long time pantry staples (even when I lived in Italy), has launched a new line of microwave pasta that takes 60 seconds to make and is (remember I am a pasta snob), delicious. Another bonus? It comes in a perfect single size portion so that those of us that are trying to make every calorie count can relax knowing we are not over eating.
Getting ready for a late day run with a nutritious pasta meal.
I admit that I wondered….cooking pasta is fast, but 60 seconds? The answer is yes. 60 seconds. Delicious and nutritious (unlike many other microwavable meals, the sodium level is not off the charts high). The Barilla Microwaveable meals have transformed my hodge podge lunch into a foodie and healthy eating experience that is fit for a pasta snob.
The following varieties will be available for your pasta snob, time pressed, pre-endurance sport, or late night cravings:
• Mezze Penne with Tomato & Basil Sauce
• Mezze Penne with Traditional Marinara Sauce
• Mezze Penne with Spicy Marinara Sauce
• Whole Grain Fusilli with Vegetable Marinara Sauce
• Whole Grain Mezze Penne with Tomato & Basil Sauce
What about you? What are your go to healthy and delicious quick meals? Or….join me in thinking about which varieties to buy when these meals hit the shelves? Which do you think you would want to try first?
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FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own;
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. I love Barilla but was skeptical about the microwave meals but they are good! I especially like the spicy marinara.
And now suddenly I am craving baked ziti….
I guess I am in for Pasta too. I work with tight schedules and foods that I can prepare very fast like pasta are what I look for especially during lunch time.
My husband would love these! He adores pasta but I rarely cook it.