Pasta is such a versatile ingredient. There are so many different kinds (spaghetti, capellini, bucatini, pappardelle, fettuccine, penne, farfalle, etc.), they go well with pretty much any sauce (cream-based, tomato-based, soy sauce-based, etc.), and you can add whatever ingredient you want/have (chicken, ground beef, shrimp, veggies, and even fruits!).

Learn more about eating healthy by downloading our free diet and nutrition advice app (available only in the US and Canada Google/Apple app stores): www.askendiet.com/get

Here, we have a super easy pasta recipe that uses broccoli as the sauce.

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 4 servings

• 14 oz your favorite pasta

• 9 oz broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 3 tbsp pine nuts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves (sliced)

• 1/2 tbsp chilli flakes

• 3 tbsp water

• salt and pepper to taste

• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• Salad, yogurt or whatever sides you like

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil water and cook your favorite pasta as per packet instructions.

2. Steam broccoli florets until they are very soft. Drain and mash them with a fork.

3. Pan roast pine nuts and set aside.

4. In a pan, heat up olive oil and add sliced garlic and chilli flakes.

5. After ~1 minute, add the mashed broccoli and water, cook for ~2 minutes, and add the cooked pasta.

6. If the sauce is too thick, add more water.

7. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Place the pasta on a plate, and top it with the pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Serve it with a salad and some yogurt or whatever sides you like.

We know cooking these great recipes can take a lot of time. That is why our friends at Nutrisystem have developed healthy pre-packaged meal plans delivered right to your door. Want to learn more? Check out the latest Nutrisystem review by Total Shape. Nutrisystem dishes aim to consist of roughly 50% carbohydrates, 25% fat, and 25% protein. This way, you feel full while eating fewer calories than usual.