Pasta Recipes
January 2016
Mary M. Fynn, Ph.D, RD, L.D.N
January 2016
The recipes and recipe booklets posted here are based on the plant-based, olive oil diet developed by Mary M. Flynn, PhD, RD, LDN.
1 serving
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup fresh asparagus chopped into approximately 1 inch stems
5-6 mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons white flour
¾ cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 ounces (dry weight) capellini or spaghetti
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Heat the olive oil and lemon juice on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide. Stir in the asparagus; season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook 10 minutes. Whisk in the flour completely. There should be no visible flour. If there is, the sauce will be lumpy. Add the vegetable broth and whisk in completely. You can turn the heat up slightly and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens. Put the cooked capellini in a bowl. Pour the sauce over it and sprinkle with the cheese.
Put the cooked capellini in a bowl. Pour the sauce over it and sprinkle with the cheese.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 565 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 65 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 3 |
April 2020
1 serving
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups frozen cauliflower pieces
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese
2 ounces (dry weight) angel hair pasta
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide. Stir in the frozen cauliflower, cover the pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until the cauliflower is defrosted and starting to soften. Add the mushroom slices, stir in and cook another 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
When the pasta is cooked, drain, stir into the pan with the vegetables and heat for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and vegetables before serving.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 580 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 60 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 6 |
April 2020
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, separated
2 cups chopped cauliflower, florets and stems
½ cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
¾ cup tomato sauce
2 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Put the cauliflower in a food processer to chop coarsely. There will be small pieces from the florets and chunks from the stems. Put in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Put on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes or until at least some pieces are browned.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Put the other tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan about 12 inches wide and add the onion and garlic. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the onion does not burn. The onion can be browned. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the roasted cauliflower and tomato sauce, cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until it is heated.
Add the cooked, drained pasta to the pan, stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 575 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 69 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 8 |
May 2020
Roasted cauliflower and linguini
1 serving
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons
2 cups of cauliflower florets and stems, sliced small
Sea salt
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 ounces, dry weight, linguini
Optional: black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 °F.
Put the cauliflower in a bowl, pour 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over the cauliflower, season with sea salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until parts of the cauliflower are browned. You will need to check it every 5 minutes or so after 15 minutes.
Start to boil the water for the pasta when you put the cauliflower in the oven. Prepare as directed on the box. Drain, drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, add the roasted cauliflower, sprinkle with the grated cheese, and the black pepper, if using. Toss lightly.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 540 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 55 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 4 |
April 2020
1 serving
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup frozen or fresh peas (canned will get too mushy)
3 ounces (dry weight) farro
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Cook the farro as directed on the package (or soak for 20 minutes, rinse, put in a pan, cover with water, cover the pan, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes).
Put the olive oil on medium in a frying pan about 12 inches wide and add the onion. Turn the heat to medium (4 to 5 on the dial). Cook for about 15 minutes covered, remove the cover, add the peas and cook uncovered 5 to 10 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
Turn the heat to low, if the farro is not cooked. When the farro is cooked, drain any water and stir into the onions and peas. Put on a dish or in a bowl and top with the grated cheese.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 560 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 80 |
Servings of starch | 3 |
Servings of vegetables | 3 |
April 2020
This recipe is from the “Food is Medicine” program and is also found in the pdf copy of the recipes.
2 servings
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup peppers, frozen, defrosted or fresh
1/3 cup frozen, defrosted spinach, or 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
½ cup canned chick peas (ceci beans, garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 cup canned, diced tomatoes
6 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: salt and pepper; herbs, grated cheese
Cook the macaroni as directed and drain. While the macaroni is
cooking prepare the sauce.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13x9x2 inch glass Pyrex
pan with olive oil.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide. Add any optional ingredients (garlic,
herbs) and stir to combine. Add the peppers to the oil; season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
Add the spinach and cook 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chickpeas
and stir to combine. Cook 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and heat 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine the vegetables and cooked pasta and put in a baking dish. Top with grated cheese, if desired. Bake at 350°F 20 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Per serving:
Calories 605
Grams of carbohydrate 90
Servings of starch 3.5
Servings of vegetables 3.5
Cost for total recipe: $3.04
Cost per serving: $1.52
October 2015
This recipe is from the “Food is Medicine” program and is also found in the pdf copy of the recipes.
2 servings
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup chopped onion (red or white) or about ½ of a small onion
1 cup frozen, defrosted, chopped broccoli
2 tablespoons white flour
1 cup milk (do not use non-fat)
2 slices American cheese or 2 ½ ounces of any cheese
6 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Salt and pepper
Cook the macaroni as directed and drain. While the macaroni is
cooking prepare the sauce.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13x9x2 inch glass Pyrex pan with olive oil.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide. Add any optional ingredients (garlic, herbs) and stir to combine.
Add the onion and broccoli, stir to combine; season with salt and pepper.Cook on medium 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft stirring the mixture occasionally while it is cooking.
Sprinkle the flour on the vegetables and stir to mix the flour completely into the vegetables and oil. There should be no dry flour visible. Pour in the milk, stir to mix in. Stir gently and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
Cut the cheese into smaller pieces (about 4 to 6 pieces per slice).
Add the cheese to the thickened sauce. Stir to combine and continue stirring until the cheese melts.
Add the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake until bubbling, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Per serving:
Calories 660
Grams of carbohydrate 84
Servings of starch 3
Servings of vegetables 1.5
Cost for total recipe: $ 3.10
Cost per serving: $ 1.55
Variations: instead of the onion and broccoli, use one of the
following:
1. 1 cup of frozen, defrosted peppers and 1 cup of canned tomatoes. Add the peppers to the olive oil and cook 8 to 10 minutes. Then add the tomatoes
and cook until most of the liquid is evaporated.
2. 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1/3 cup frozen defrosted spinach. Add the mushroom to the olive oil and cook 8 to 10 minutes. Then add the
spinach and cook 3 to 5 minutes.
Continue with the recipe as written above.
October 2015
This recipe would have appropriate calories for a dinner on a 1500 kcal diet. The pasta can be increased to 4 ounces (dry weight) for someone who is eating 1800 kcals.
1 serving
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms (approximately 4 ounces dry weight)
¼ teaspoon ground (dry) thyme
1 cup baby spinach leaves (or ¼ cup frozen spinach)
2 tablespoons of white flour or corn starch
1 cup vegetable broth
3 ounces (dry weight) linguine, preferably whole wheat
Optional: Salt (preferably sea salt) and pepper.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide.
Stir in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes. Season with the thyme, and the salt and pepper, if using.
Add the spinach and stir to combine. Cook the vegetables on medium 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often.
Sprinkle the flour or corn starch over the vegetables and stir in completely; there should not be any dry powder visible. Add the vegetable broth and stir in so the vegetables and broth are completely combined. Heat on medium until the sauce thickens. This should be approximately 5 minutes.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving: | |
Calories: 660 | |
Servings of starch: 3 | |
Servings of vegetables: 5 |
July 2016
This recipe is from the “Food is Medicine” program and is also found in the pdf copy of the recipes.
2 servings
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
½ cup peas, canned, drained or frozen, defrosted
2 cups canned, diced tomatoes
6 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: garlic, herbs (rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano). Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan
about 12 inches wide. Add any optional ingredients (garlic,
herbs) and stir to combine.
Add the mushrooms, stir into the oil and heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the peas; heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes;
turn the heat to low and heat until the pasta is cooked.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving:
Calories 550
Grams of carbohydrate 80
Servings of starch 3
Servings of vegetables 3.5
Cost for total recipe: $3.80
Cost per serving: $1.90
October 2015
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
½ frozen peas
½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
¼ pasta water
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
In a small skillet on medium-high heat, toast the nuts for about 5 minutes or until you can start to smell them. Remove from heat.
Put the olive oil in a frying pan about 12 inches wide and add the shallots. Cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the peas, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Put the yogurt in a small bowl. When the pasta is almost done, take out ¼ cup of pasta water and stir into the yogurt. Add to the vegetables, then, stir in the cheese.
Add the cooked, drained pasta to the pan, stir to combine. Put on the plate and sprinkle with the toasted nuts.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 600 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 62 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 1 |
May 2020
This recipe would have appropriate calories for a dinner on a 1500 kcal diet. The pasta can be increased to 3 or 4 ounces (dry weight) for someone who is eating 1800 kcals.
Pumpkin left over from making muffins or bread could be used for this recipe.
1 serving
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup sliced red onion (1 small or ½ of a medium onion)
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons white flour or corn starch
3/4 cup milk (not skim as the sauce will be too thin)
2 tablespoons of gorgonzola cheese
2 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: salt (preferably sea salt) and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide.
Stir in the onion and cook for about 10 minutes or until the onion is translucent; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sprinkle the flour or corn starch over the vegetables and stir in completely; there should not be any dry powder visible. Add the milk and stir in so the vegetables and broth are completely combined. Add the Gorgonzola cheese. Heat on medium until the sauce thickens. This should be approximately 5 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and heat until the pasta is cooked.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving: | |
Calories: 665 | |
Servings of starch: 2 | |
Servings of vegetables: 3 |
July 2016
2 servings
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup frozen, defrosted, chopped spinach or 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
½ cup canned cannellini beans, drained, and rinsed well
2 cups canned, diced tomatoes (plain or seasoned)
6 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: garlic, herbs (rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano). Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan
about 12 inches wide. Add any optional ingredients (garlic, herbs) and stir to combine.
Stir in the defrosted spinach; season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the drained, rinsed cannellini beans; heat on medium 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often.
Add the canned tomatoes; turn the heat to low and heat until the
pasta is cooked.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving:
Calories 570
Grams of carbohydrate 82
Servings of starch 3.5
Servings of vegetables 3
Cost for total recipe:
$3.08
Cost per serving: $1.54
1 serving
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped red onion
2/3 cup frozen spinach
½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
¼ pasta water
2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
2 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Put the olive oil in a frying pan about 12 inches wide and add the onion. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the onion does not burn. The onion can be browned. Stir in the spinach, cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the spinach is defrosted. Season with salt and pepper.
Put the yogurt in a small bowl. When the pasta is almost done, take out ¼ cup of pasta water and stir into the yogurt. Add to the vegetables, then, stir in the blue cheese.
Add the cooked, drained pasta to the pan, stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes or until the blue cheese is somewhat melted.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 525 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 63 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 6 |
May 2020
This recipe would have appropriate calories for a dinner on a 1500 kcal diet. The pasta can be increased to 3 or 4 ounces (dry weight) for someone who is eating 1800 kcals.
1 serving
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup thin slices of red onion (1 small or ½ medium red onion)
½ cup sliced hot pepper rings (either jarred and drained or fresh)
2 tablespoons drained, rinsed capers
¼ cup cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
6 olives (green or black), sliced
¾ cup tomato sauce
2 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Heat a large pot of salted water to cook the pasta. When the water boils, cook the pasta as directed on the box.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan about 12 inches wide.
Stir in the red onion and pepper rings and cook for about 10 minutes or until the onion is translucent; season with salt and pepper. Add the capers, beans, olives, and tomato sauce.
Turn the heat to low and heat until the pasta is cooked.
Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving: | |
Calories: 600 | |
Servings of starch: 2.5 | |
Servings of vegetables: 6 |
July 2016
This recipe is from the “Food is Medicine” program and is also found in the pdf copy of the recipes.
2 servings
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup frozen, defrosted chopped broccoli
2 cups carrots, raw, canned or frozen, defrosted (if raw, you can
cut into matchstick pieces)
2 tablespoons cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons corn starch or flour
6 ounces (dry weight) spaghetti noodles, preferably whole wheat
Optional: sliced/ crushed garlic, salt and pepper
Heat a large pot of water for the spaghetti and cook as directed.
Heat the olive oil on medium (4 to 5 on the dial) in a frying pan
about 12 inches wide. Add any optional ingredients (garlic, herbs) and stir to combine.
Add the broccoli; season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 to 8 minutes.
Add the carrots to the broccoli and cook 3 to 5 minutes
Combine the soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl. Add the corn starch and stir with a fork until there are no lumps. Pour into the pan with the hot vegetables and completely stir in. Heat until the sauce is thickened (about 3 minutes).
Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Per serving:
Calories 570
Grams of carbohydrate 84
Servings of starch 3
Servings of vegetables 3
Cost for total recipe: $ 3.07
Cost per serving: $ 1.54
Variations: instead of carrots and broccoli, use one of the
following:
1. a cup of corn and ½ cup of peas, both drained. Add the corn first and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Then the peas; just heat through as the peas will get mushy.
2. 1/3 cup frozen, defrosted spinach and ½ cup chopped red onion. Add the onion first and cook for about 10 minutes then add the spinach and cook 3 to 5 minutes.
October 2015
This recipe can be increased for additional servings. You can make it in advance of the meal and it can be refrigerated or frozen for a future dinner. This should be simmered to blend the flavors.
2 serving
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-2 garlic cloves, fresh or roasted
Dried basil, red pepper flakes
2 cups of red onion slices (about 1 medium onion)
1 zucchini, 8-10 oz.; thinly sliced
1 summer squash, 8-10 oz., thinly sliced
2 cups diced celery and any celery leaves, if available
28 oz. can of whole peeled tomatoes
4 ounces (dry weight) pasta, preferably whole wheat
Optional: Salt and pepper for the vegetables.
Put the olive oil in a frying pan about 12 inches wide. Add the garlic, basil and pepper flakes and stir to combine. Stir in the onions and turn the heat to medium (3-4 on the dial). Cook for about 5 minutes or until the oil is hot. Add the zucchini, summer squash, and celery. Stir to combine. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add the canned tomatoes, stir to combine completely. Lower the heat to 1-2 and simmer for about 30 minutes.
When you are ready to eat the vegetable sauce, cook the pasta as directed on the packaging.
Toss the warmed vegetable sauce with cooked pasta and serve.
Per serving: | |
Calories | 560 |
Grams of carbohydrate | 75 |
Servings of starch | 2 |
Servings of vegetables | 6 |
April 2020
For additional recipes, Dr. Flynn wrote the cookbook, A Pink Ribbon Diet: A revolutionary new weight loss plan to lower your breast cancer risk (Flynn, M.M. and Barr, N.V; DaCapo Press, 2010).