Spinach and Tomato Pasta - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Spinach and Tomato Pasta
Prep: 14 min
Cook: 8 min
Servings: 4
Lunch

Nutrition per Serving

310 Calories
14g Protein
50g Carbs
9g Fat
Spinach and Tomato Pasta, Feb 2014

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti pasta, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, omitting any salt. Drain.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the oil and spinach and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until wilted. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 an additional seconds.
  3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with spinach and tomatoes, and add the remaining ingredients. Cook for 1 minute and toss to incorporate.
  4. MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: If you need this recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta for regular, and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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 Spinach and Tomato Pasta contribute to your health goals:

  • Spinach: Magnesium may help improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS
  • Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
  • Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
  • Tomato: Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress elevated in PCOS

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 anti-inflammatory spices that target the chronic inflammation underlying PCOS, 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 Spinach and Tomato Pasta 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: Spinach.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

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