Autumn is like one big excuse to face-plant into comfort food.
Let’s ignore the fact that it’s about 92 degrees right now in the lovely city of Columbus. Let’s pretend there’s a crisp chill in the air. Let’s imagine we’re wearing our flannel button downs, pretending to understand the football game, and popping pumpkin bars like they’re candy. Ahhhhhh Fall. Gotta love her. In honor of the impending season of all things comfy, let’s chat about pasta. If you know me at all, you know I’m in a Facebook-official relationship with carbohydrates. Pasta holds a special place in my heart because it’s so darn delish, quick, easy, and cheap. My go-to is 100% whole wheat pasta, which is loaded with filling fiber and plant-powered protein to keep me energized through all the crazies.
Complex carbohydrates fuel your muscles and brain and digest more slowly, which provides a slower release of energy to power you through your day. Wait. Why have we not created a breakfast pasta?! The wheels are turning. With roughly seven grams of plant-powered protein and less than 200 calories per serving, pasta provides the perfect foundation for a nutrient-dense meal. Pasta also has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause as quick of a spike in your blood sugar. Did you know a one-cup portion of whole-grain pasta provides 25% of the daily value of fiber? Load it up with more veggies and you’ve nearly hit your quota for the day!
For all those times when you’re craving spinach and artichoke dip but you don’t want to break the calorie bank, this recipe is for you. It has all the creaminess and dreaminess of the classic version but is completely free of mayo and cheese. Shocking, I know. So let’s give a warm welcome to the plant powerhouses that made this epic pasta creation possible….cauliflower and cashews! Whenever I want to make a sauce just a tad creamier, cashews never disappoint. The cauliflower adds body and moisture plus a hefty dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I added an entire bag of spinach to up the veggie count for this dish, but feel free to reduce it a bit if you’re cooking for kiddos.
HellooOoooOooOOoo Autumn, we’re ready for you! Print [Tweet “#Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Pasta…your new favorite #MeatlessMonday dish! @TheHummusapien #pastafits #ad “]
