5 Pasta Bar Hacks to Satisfy Any Carb Craving
Sure. Marinara is classy, and Alfredo is comforting…
But why limit yourself to traditional flavors when pasta provides so much scope for the imagination?
Pasta doesn’t just satisfy carb cravings; it can satisfy creativity cravings, too!
Craving carbs or creativity? Then these pasta bar hacks are for you!
1.) Florentine
Florentine pasta is a personal favourite. To make a Florentine pasta bowl, head to the pasta bar line and start with bow-tie pasta and a little Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is thick, add some margarine or olive oil to thin it out (florentine pasta is more buttery than creamy). Add grilled chicken (from either the pasta bar if there’s some available or from the salad bar), then add spinach and parmesan to taste. You may need to zap your dish in the microwave to wilt the spinach a little. Season with pepper and enjoy!
2.) Carbonara
It’s an easy-"peasy" recipe. Start with a base like linguine or spaghetti, then add: peas, bacon bits (from the salad bar), margarine, and lots of parmesan.
(If you don’t eat bacon, use your favourite protein instead.)
3.) Upscale Mac
If you have the option to get mac n’ cheese, then you also have the option to take it to the next level.
Find a protein: ground beef, hamburger, fajita beef or chicken, bacon bits, salmon, chicken, sausage, hot dogs, or even black beans if you’re vegetarian, and incorporate it into your mac.
Next, find a veggie: broccoli, corn, baby tomatoes, peas, mushrooms—any of these go well with mac n’ cheese.
Then top it all off with more cheese. You can even combine cheeses if you’re adventurous!
Lastly, add the finishing touch: a sprinkle of pepper.
4.) Primavera
It’s so fresh and clean—yet comforting. Toss as many of your favorite vegetables and some olive oil together with plain pasta. No sauce. I like to add some feta cheese, but that’s optional.
5. Taco Pasta
Some days are for tacos. Other days are for taco PASTA.
It doesn’t have to be Taco Tuesday for you to enjoy this spicy comfort food. Start off with your favorite pasta and some meat sauce. Then head over to the salad bar and add diced tomatoes, cottage cheese, tortilla strips, shredded cheddar, and a slice of lime. For an alternate taco experience, you can replace the cheddar with feta, and add corn and black beans to the mix.
Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is—but maybe that’s just because I’m looking forward to lasagna…
What are some of your favorite pasta bar hacks?
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