Noodles

Last time I wrote I said I was going to try to do this weekly and then as soon as I said it, I missed a week. School is keeping me pretty busy and I havent been as faithful about cooking the healthy recipes as I would be if I wasnt in school full time. I am still trying to make sure all the meals I cook are as healthy as possible but when you are busy its so easy to just fall back on this old stand buy recipes that you know are so easy. A roast in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots, Spaghetti, some kind of cheesy not so good for you casserole or even fast food. Its ok to do the old stand buys just try to make them as healthy as possible by using lean meats and tons of veggies. For Spaghetti I make my own sauce and use lean ground beef. Its just finding a noodle that is lower in calories that still taste good. Well guess what thanks to the hungry girl cookbooks I was able to do that.  Now dont freak out about what I am going to tell you. Because I know my first reaction when I read this recipe was there is no way I am going to try that. Then as I kept reading her cookbook I realized she had a lot of recipes that called for the same ingredient some of the recipes really sounded good and so I finally decided to try it. This is the 2nd recipe I cooked with this and besides being just a little bit chewer than a normal noodle they are pretty darn good. So please dont knock the recipe until you actually try the product. My brother is coming to see me at the end of the month so I just may try to throw these in on him to see if he knows the difference. I know you are thinking just tell me already what it it. ok I will they are called House Foods Tofu Shirataki Spaghetti Shaped Noodle Substitute. I know right as soon as you see that word Tofu you are like gross but I promise you, you will be suprised. They come packaged in water and are usually in the refigerated section next to the tofu. I can still hear some of you grossing out over these. Just come to my house for dinner sometime and I will make them for you and you will be a true believer. Here is the best part about them. You can eat the whole bag which is 2 servings and still only have eaten 40 calories where else can you get your pasta fix for such low calories.. Nowhere. I made this recipe tonight for supper and it was a hit. The only thing my son didnt like was the sun dried tomatoes. I really dont think they did anything for the dish so next time I will leave them out. My step son, who is still learning about american foods really liked it. So I guess you can say I will be making it again. Here is the recipe
Its Called Oodles of Noodles and it came from Hungry Girl
Ingredients:2 bags House Foods Tofu Shirataki Spaghetti Shaped Noodle Substitute
8 oz. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast cutlets
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. salt, divided, or more to taste
1/8 tsp. black pepper, or more to taste
20 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
(about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup sliced brown mushrooms
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and thinly sliced
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown)
1 tbsp. reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping

Directions:
Use a strainer to rinse and drain noodles well. Pat dry. Cut noodles up a bit, using kitchen shears if you've got 'em. Set aside.

Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat on the stove. Add chicken and season with Italian seasoning, 1/8 tsp. salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, until fully cooked.

Remove chicken from the skillet. Once cool enough to handle, slice chicken and set aside.

Remove skillet from heat, re-spray, and return to medium-high heat. Add asparagus and 2 tbsp. water. Cover and cook for 4 minutes.

Remove cover and add mushrooms, tomatoes, and garlic to the skillet. Stirring occasionally, cook until veggies are tender, about 4 minutes.

Add noodles to the skillet, stir, and cook just until any excess water has evaporated and noodles are hot, about 2 minutes.

Add butter, remaining 1/8 tsp. salt, and sliced chicken to the skillet. Cook and stir until ingredients are well mixed and butter has melted, about 1 minute.

Add Parm-style topping and mix well. If you like, season to taste with additional salt and pepper. YUM!
MAKES 2 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe (about 2 1/2 cups)
Calories: 274
Fat: 8g
Sodium: 546mg
Carbs: 18.5g
Fiber: 7.5g
Sugars: 3.5g
Protein: 34g

Here are the changes I made to this recipe. I used both Asparagus and Brocolli since my son doesnt like Asparagus. The asparagus was really good but to make it easier and cheaper on me next time I think I will just use brocolli. Since I needed to feed 5 people. I upped the amount of chicken I used to 3 large chicken breasts. I also used an extra tble of butter and parmesan and a little bit more salt. Was able to feed everyone and they where happy. I served this with garlic bread I made from oatmeal bread which is just 45 calories a slice. I am looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow thats for sure. The best part about this is look at the calories only 274 add the garlic bread and you are about 320 calorie this is for a full meal. That wont leave you wanting more. Plus if you want dessert you can have it.
The new favorite thing in my house for dessert is skinny cow ice cream sandwiches you get a whole sandwich for 140 calories. Plus they come in some great flavors, Mint, Cookies and Cream, and Vanilla. When we are wanting something sweet these really do hit the spot. Add the calories of the Noodles plus the ice cream and you are only at 460 calories.. Can you say wow.
All those times when I was dieting I would of never been able to have a meal that fills me up plus dessert it just wouldnt of happened. I hope you all are enjoying reading my blog. I havent had much feedback from it so please let me know what you think.  Especially if you are trying the recipes. Some of them are my own but most come from the Hungry girl cookbook, so if you like what you see she has I think 4 books out  and I am sure you will find something that you like in them. I also signed up for her e-mails so I get e-mails from her with recipes as well. Well tell next time happy eating