Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
Prep: 18 min
Cook: 20 min
Servings: 5
Lunch

Nutrition per Serving

265 Calories
15g Protein
33g Carbs
9g Fat
Try this healthy and delicious dish with a new type of pasta made from chickpeas. The pasta is loaded with fiber, lower in carbs, gluten-free and has a lower glycemic index.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 2 medium zucchini, diced
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 ounce box chickpea penne pasta
  • ½ cup fat-free, reduced sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Place the zucchini and broccoli in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt (optional), and pepper; toss to coat and spread on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the oven.
  3. While the vegetables are baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Note it says not to boil water for pasta, but rather to bring the water to near boiling and let the pasta sit in the water 4-6 minutes; stirring occasionally.
  4. Drain the pasta after cooking. Add the chicken broth to pot. Add the pasta, cooked vegetables, and oregano to the pot and mix well.
  5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
  6. MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: You can purchase gluten-free chicken broth and verify the spices and other ingredients are gluten-free and this dish can be gluten-free.
  7. Choices: 2 Starch, 1 Vegetable, 1 Lean Protein, 1 Fat

How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management

Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables contribute to your health goals:

  • Chicken: Protein-rich meals help manage insulin resistance common in PCOS
  • Chickpea: Their low glycemic index helps maintain steady blood sugar levels
  • Broccoli: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and chromium which aids blood sugar control
  • Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
  • Zucchini: Low in calories while providing vitamin C and potassium

PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe

The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing protein-rich ingredients that help regulate appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cell membrane health and hormone synthesis. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Meal Prep Tip: This Chickpea Pasta with Roasted Vegetables can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Broccoli.

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that provides numerous health benefits, especially for individuals managing PCOS. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. But what makes broccoli particularly beneficial for those with PCOS? Low Glycemic Index (GI) Broccoli has a low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for individuals with PCOS, as it helps manage insul...

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