Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio | Invent Your Recipe (2024)

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Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio with Broccoli. Whole wheat pasta sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, broccoli, and grated cheese.

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Welcome to the first recipe in our Pasta Aglio E Olio series of recipes. In this version we are using broccoli and whole wheat pasta to create a wonderful and tasty pasta dish. This series of recipes will feature different types of pasta cooked with garlic and oil. What will change the most in these recipes are the complimentary ingredients or cooking style. For instance, in thesecond versionof this recipe, green beans and regular pasta are used to create a delicious pasta aglio e oil dish.

The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case, pasta aglio e olio, can create a new recipe with a few ingredient changes. First, we create a recipe, then we taste the recipe, then we change up the ingredients to develop a new recipe from the original recipe. This is the innovative part of the process. That is why our approach to cooking is create, taste, innovate.

Look for other recipe series on this blog as we continue to create and innovate new recipe ideas.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio | Invent Your Recipe (1)

This is a favorite recipe of mine and my wife and kids. I love the flavor of pasta aglio e olio. I grew up eating it and to this day I continue to make it frequently. I will sometimes get on a kick where I make this recipe a few times a week.

I classify this recipe as a “go to”, meaning it is always reliable, simple to make, and good in a pinch. This recipe is great for those evening when the day was hectic with activities, the chicken did not fully defrost, and the family is hungry and tired. This whole wheat pasta aglio e olio dish is ready in 30 minutes and checks all the comfort boxes.

NOTE

Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio | Invent Your Recipe (2)

How to Make Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio

Preparing the Pasta:

  • Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before you drain the pasta save off 4 oz. of pasta water.

Bringing Everything Together:

  • While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet on medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
  • When oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté.
  • Once the garlic begins to turn golden brown add the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
  • Next, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, salt, black pepper, and grated cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.

How to Serve Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio

  • Place the whole wheat pasta aglio e olio in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.
  • Alternatively, serve this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio along side beef, chicken, pork, or seafood.

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Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio | Invent Your Recipe (4)

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Gnocchi with Peppers Recipe

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The Recipe

Whole Wheat Aglio e Olio with Broccoli

Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio | Invent Your Recipe (8)Invent Your Recipe

Whole wheat pasta sautéed in oil with garlic, broccoli, and grated cheese

4.15 from 21 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. of whole wheat pasta
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 8 cloves of garlic sliced thin
  • 4 oz. pasta water
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. grated cheese

Instructions

Preparing the Pasta:

  • Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente pasta. Before you drain the pasta save off 4 oz. of pasta water.

Bringing Everything Together:

  • While pasta is cooking, place a large skillet on medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.

  • When oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and sauté. Once the garlic begins to turn golden brown add the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.

  • Next, add the cooked pasta, pasta water, salt, black pepper, and grated cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.

To Serve:

  • Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Add more grated cheese to taste when serving.

Invent Your Recipe

Invent Your Recipe:

Oil and garlic on pasta is amazing! I have another version of this recipe were I use green beans instead of broccoli. I usually chose broccoli which grabs onto the oil and grated cheese for an amazing bite! In this recipe I am also using whole wheat pasta.

I was never a fan of whole wheat pasta, but over the years, the quality and texture of whole wheat pasta has gotten better in my opinion. Sometimes, I can’t even tell the difference.

For some additional heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Keyword Broccoli, extra virgin olive oil, Garlic, grated cheese, pasta

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Invent Your Recipe:

I usually chose broccoli for this healthy whole wheat pasta recipe, and that is what I did in this version, because broccoli grabs onto the oil and grated cheese for an amazing bite!

In this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio recipe I am using standard whole wheat pasta. I was never a fan of whole wheat pasta, but over the years, the quality and texture of whole wheat pasta has gotten better in my opinion. Sometimes, I can’t even tell the difference.For people with wheat sensitivity, try this einkorn whole wheat pasta from Jovial Foods. I really enjoy the taste and texture.

If you are not familiar with einkorn, it is an ancient grain, and is most likely the oldest wheat we know of. The gluten structure is weaker than modern wheat, which allows some people with wheat sensitivity the ability to eat it without adverse affects.

Try some of our other featured pasta dishes, and I hope this whole wheat pasta aglio e olio dish becomes a favorite of yours.

Pasta Dishes

For even more ideas check out our Pinterest page…

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Healthy Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio E Olio | Invent Your Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is whole wheat pasta actually healthier? ›

Yes. Regular, or traditional semolina pasta, is made with refined flour. This flour has been stripped of heart-healthy fiber and nutrients. Whole-wheat pasta is made with the whole grain kernel, retaining what makes it most healthy and desirable.

Is aglio olio healthy? ›

By definition, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a healthy pasta recipe. Garlic, chili pepper, heart-healthy olive oil and quality pasta are all healthy ingredients. However, despite olive oil being a healthy, unsaturated fat—it is still fat and so it has a lot of calories!

Can I eat whole wheat pasta everyday? ›

Eating too much whole grain pasta can have some potential effects, but overall it is generally considered a healthy food choice. Whole grain pasta is a good source of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and nutrients, and can be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

What is the best sauce for whole wheat pasta? ›

We consistently found that whole wheat pastas are best with robust sauces. The sweet flavors in the marinara were overwhelmed by the nutty, grainy penne. But chewy, meaty Bolognese ragù and garlicky, nutty pesto worked with whole wheat fusilli, tagliatelle and spaghetti.

What is the healthiest pasta to eat? ›

6 Healthy Noodles You Should Be Eating, According to a Dietitian
  • Whole-Wheat Pasta.
  • Chickpea Pasta.
  • Veggie Noodles.
  • Red Lentil Pasta.
  • Soba Noodles.
  • White Pasta.
Jul 13, 2023

Is whole wheat pasta good for belly fat loss? ›

Yes, you can eat whole wheat pasta for weight loss. In fact, whole wheat or whole grain pasta is the best option for weight loss as whole wheat pasta takes longer to digest than pasta made from refined flour.

Do Italians eat aglio olio? ›

Spaghetti aglio e olio (Italian: [spaˈɡetti ˈaʎʎo e ˈɔːljo]; lit. 'spaghetti [with] garlic and oil') is a traditional pasta dish from Naples, Italy. It is a typical dish of Neapolitan cuisine and is widely popular.

Is aglio olio bad for cholesterol? ›

As part of a healthful, balanced diet, olive oil may help to lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

Why is aglio e olio so good? ›

But if you've ever tried it, you know that spaghetti aglio e olio is far more than the sum of its parts. The garlic infuses the oil with rich, nutty flavor, and salty, starchy pasta cooking water transforms it into a deeply flavorful sauce. Add perfect al dente pasta to the mix, and it's absolute heaven.

Which pasta is 100% whole grain? ›

BARILLA WHOLE GRAIN PASTA, MADE WITH 100% WHOLE WHEAT!

Do Italians eat whole-wheat pasta? ›

Wholemeal pasta has become increasingly popular in Italy in recent years, both for its more intense flavour and for health reasons.

Is Barilla whole-wheat pasta healthy? ›

Made with one simple ingredient, whole grain durum wheat flour, Barilla® Whole Grain Penne is an excellent source of fiber. This pasta is ideal for anyone seeking to increase their intake of fiber and whole grains without sacrificing taste. Barilla Whole Grain pasta is made with non-GMO ingredients.

What is the difference between wheat pasta and whole wheat pasta? ›

The difference between white and whole-wheat pasta is that for whole-wheat pasta, the whole grain is ground and used. With white pasta, the membranes of the wheat grain are removed. The outer membrane contains a lot of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Meaning, whole wheat pasta is more nutritious than white pasta.

What's the point of whole wheat pasta? ›

“Whole-wheat pasta is crafted from whole wheat flour, and contains the entire wheat kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm,” explains Denise Hernandez, RD at MyFitnessPal. “Unlike refined white pasta, which lacks these elements, whole-wheat pasta preserves essential nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and iron.

What is the difference between whole grain pasta and whole wheat pasta? ›

Since wheat is a type of grain, it also falls under the definition of whole grain. Essentially, all whole wheat products are whole grain, but not all whole grain products are whole wheat. Both whole grain and whole wheat contain all three parts of the grain kernel — the bran, endosperm, and germ.

Is whole wheat pasta better than pasta? ›

These include heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Wholewheat pasta is a better option, thanks to its higher fibre content – this will help to fill you up, support digestive health and lower the risk of the aforementioned conditions.

Is whole wheat pasta a bad carb? ›

Whole wheat pasta is healthier than white pasta, because it's packed with nutrients such as complex carbs, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and zinc. On the other hand, white pasta is made of refined carbs, meaning it has been stripped of many nutrients during its processing.

Is whole wheat pasta highly processed? ›

Processed vs. Highly Processed. Foods that have undergone some processing but contain very little or no added sugars and salt are considered “minimally processed” or simply “processed.” These include whole grain pasta, whole grain flours, tofu, and tempeh.

Do Italians eat whole wheat pasta? ›

Wholemeal pasta has become increasingly popular in Italy in recent years, both for its more intense flavour and for health reasons.

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