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This recipe gives you a hearty vegetarian dinner in only 30 minutes and uses just one pan. Loads of tender cauliflower florets mingle with whole-grain pasta that’s brightened with fresh lemon, briny feta cheese and meaty olives.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

One-Pot Pasta With Cauliflower, Lemon and Olives

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 8 oz. (225g) whole-grain penne
• 6 cups (660g) fresh cauliflower florets
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 16 pitted Castelvetrano or other green olives, halved
• 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

Add 4 cups water, oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, and pasta. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 6 minutes.

Stir in the cauliflower, cover, and continue cooking until the cauliflower and pasta are tender, 6–8 minutes. If excess liquid remains, uncover and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olives. Sprinkle with the feta cheese and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: About 2 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 365; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 17mg; Sodium: 737mg; Carbohydrate: 50g; Dietary Fiber: 13g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 793mg; Iron: 17%; Vitamin A: 7%; Vitamin C: 130%; Calcium: 19%

Originally published June 4, 2020; Updated June 2026

The post One-Pot Pasta With Cauliflower, Lemon and Olives appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This 30-minute summer pasta is the perfect recipe to make when the late-summer tomatoes are at their peak. The no-cook sauce gets better as the tomatoes sit with the vinegar, garlic and olive oil and release their sweet juices. When picking out your zucchini, look for small, firm ones that don’t have too many seeds. The heat from the cooked pasta ever so slightly wilts the raw ribbons of zucchini so they’re tender enough to eat, but still retain some of their bite and color.

To give this meal a vegetarian protein and fiber boost, add a 15-oz. can of white beans, which also provide a rustic, hearty flavor.

Active time: 30 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

No-Cook Tomato Sauce With Zucchini Ribbons

Ingredients

• 1 pint (360g) sungold or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (56g) olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine or sherry vinegar
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 8 oz. (227g) long whole-wheat pasta, preferably tagliatelle or pappardelle
• 2 small zucchini
• 4 torn fresh basil leaves

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper. Let the mixture stand while you prepare the pasta and zucchini, stirring occasionally and gently pressing on the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to help release their juices.

Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave the zucchini into long, thin ribbons.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well and immediately transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Add the zucchini ribbons and toss gently to combine. Taste and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Divide the pasta among four shallow bowls. Garnish with torn basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve warm.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: About 2 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 375; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 10g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 2mg; Sodium: 354mg; Carbohydrate: 48g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 10g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 6%; Iron: 15%; Potassium: 636mg; Vitamin A: 13%; Vitamin C: 47%

Originally published September 1, 2020; Updated June 2026

The post No-Cook Tomato Sauce With Zucchini Ribbons appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Reminiscent of creamy beef stroganoff without the beef, this Instant Pot recipe uses whole-grain pasta, mushrooms and herb and garlic spreadable cheese to get dinner on the table fast. Use gourmet mushrooms instead of cremini if you’re feeling fancy.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Pressure Cooker Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups (280g) cremini mushrooms, cut into quarters
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped
• 8 oz. (227g) whole-wheat rotini
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper
• 4 cups (100g) baby kale
• 4 tbsp (58g) herb and garlic spreadable cheese

Directions

Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and adjust to high heat. Add the olive oil, mushrooms, onions, and salt and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms begin to release their juices. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Add 1 cup of water and simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Press cancel.

Add the pasta, vegetable broth, and crushed red pepper and stir to combine. Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.

Carefully quick-release the pressure, loosely draping a towel over the vent to catch any starchy liquid. Remove the lid and stir in the kale and spreadable cheese until combined. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to finish cooking and absorb the liquid.

Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups pasta

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 319; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 450mg; Carbohydrate: 47g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 12g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 13%; Iron: 15%; Potassium: 703mg; Vitamin A: 3%; Vitamin C: 47%

Originally published: September 15, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Richard Forensky posted a photo:

Richard Forensky posted a photo:

Richard Forensky posted a photo:

Richard Forensky posted a photo:

Use your Instant Pot to put together this whole-grain pasta meal in just 35 minutes from start to finish. For best results, use small boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cut large chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Pressure Cooker Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp (30g) no-salt added tomato paste
• 4 cups (12 oz./340g) dry whole-grain rotini pasta
• 1/4 cup (27g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups (50g) baby spinach
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

In the pot of an electric pressure cooker, whisk together the broth and tomato paste until the tomato paste is dissolved. Add the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Place the bell peppers on top of the pasta. Season the chicken with the garlic powder and place on top of the pasta mixture; do not stir.

Lock the lid and select the Manual/Pressure Cook function. Adjust to high pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes. Make sure the steam valve is in the “sealing” position.

When the cooking time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure.

Unlock the lid and ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F.  Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces and return them to the pot. Add the spinach and cheese and stir until the spinach is wilted. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups pasta mixture

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 535; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 87mg; Sodium: 540mg; Carbohydrate: 69g; Dietary Fiber: 11g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 41g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 7%; Iron: 24%; Potassium: 723mg; Vitamin A: 101%; Vitamin C: 90%

Originally published March 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Chicken Pasta appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Richard Forensky posted a photo:

Richard Forensky posted a photo:

Richard Forensky posted a photo: