Easiest Ever One Pot Hummus Pasta

This is a staple weeknight supper in my house, and it’s also my personal all time favourite pasta dish!

Anyone who’s followed me for a while, will know that hummus and pasta are two things I adore – not only for of their delicious taste but also as part of a healthy diet that won’t sabotage your weight loss goals! (Watch how you can EAT PASTA & STILL STAY SLIM & HEALTHY HERE!!)

Until now, these two food favourites – both in a personal capacity and incorporated into my clients’ plans – have been enjoyed separately… but one night I had a real Eureka moment, which led me to combine these two delicious ingredients together and the result was next level deliciousness!

This pasta dish is so creamy and filling, yet dairy-free, vegan, full of protein, fibre and amazing nutrients, and it can even be gluten-free if you use brown rice pasta.

What’s more, it’s totally delicious and waist-line friendly!  

It’s perfect for those who love the typical decadent creamy cheesy pasta dishes (which are not great for health, or weight management) – this recipe will satisfy your cravings without the health downsides!

And perhaps the best thing about this recipe… is that everything cooks together in one pot – without even, the need to drain the pasta – it literally couldn’t be easier to make! 

Whole-wheat or brown rice pasta contain fibre and protein and an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Unlike white pasta, which spikes blood sugar levels and insulin, the fibre and protein in whole-wheat pasta means that a smaller portion will keep you fuller for longer, since satiety is long lasting and blood sugar levels remain stable.

In fact, just one cup of whole-wheat pasta provides around a quarter of your daily fibre requirements.  It’s also packed full of B-vitamins, such as thiamin (essential for energy production, carbohydrate metabolism & nerve cell function), riboflavin (needed for healthy http://premier-pharmacy.com/product-category/anti-fungal/ skin turnover & maintenance) and niacin (needed in fat, cholesterol & carbohydrate metabolism and the production of many body compounds, including sex & adrenal hormones).

Brown-rice pasta is naturally gluten-free and therefore, a super-healthy delicious alternative for those looking to cut out or cut down on gluten (or even those who are not, but just want a light yet wholesome and filling alternative to regular pasta.) It’s also a good source of B vitamins.  

Both are packed with benefits – whichever you choose to go for!

Hummus is an amazing source of protein, fibre and healthy fats. You can use store-bought or homemade for this recipe – both work just as well! I LOVE making my own hummus (it’s so easy – watch how here!) but usually use store-bought for this recipe.

Tomato sauce is rich in the super-antioxidant lycopene, which has shown to be protective against a variety of cancers.

I love topping this dish off with Za’atar seasoning and nutritional yeast, which is an amazing (vegan!) source of B vitamins, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. It adds a real cheesy taste, that’s super low in calories and all natural!

You could also top it off with some black olives, capers or grated Parmesan cheese. All are delicious!!

Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

200g uncooked whole-wheat or brown rice pasta (penne or fusilli)
3 cups (720ml) vegan “chicken” flavoured stock (made from MSG-free stock powder)
1 cup (225g) store-bought pasta Marinara sauce
½ cup (125g) hummus (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh spinach leaves or steamed vegetables, to serve
Optional (to serve): black olives, Za’atar seasoning, nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Put the stock in a saucepan and bring to the boil.  Add the pasta, reduce the heat and simmer for 12 minutes over a low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed.  Add the pasta marinara sauce, then cook for 2 minutes, stirring.  Add the hummus and stir through well. Serve in a bowl with fresh spinach leaves. Top with desired toppings. Enjoy! xx