A Dietitian Shares A ‘Lighter, Lower-Calorie’ Recipe Of Your Favorite Pasta Dish For Weight Loss: Spaghetti Squash Cacio E Pepe

Ingredients:

1. 6 cups (1,420 ml) cooked spaghetti squash

2. ¼-½ cup (60-120 ml) aquafaba, the reserved liquid from a can of chickpeas or a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 4 tbsp of cold water with tbsp of cornstarch.

3. ¼ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated

4. ½ tsp. (1 g) black pepper

Instructions: Toast the black pepper in a large saucepan over low to medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Add the Parmesan cheese and either aquafaba or a cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring vigorously until well combined. Once the mixture forms a thick sauce, incorporate the spaghetti squash and stir continuously until evenly mixed. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Benefits For Weight Loss

The main ingredient, spaghetti squash, is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a filling alternative to traditional pasta. It provides volume and satisfaction without the extra calories. The recipe uses a modest amount of Parmesan cheese, which adds flavor without overwhelming the dish with calories. Parmesan is also a good source of protein and calcium. Overall, this recipe combines low-calorie ingredients and smart substitutions to create a satisfying, flavorful dish that's aligned with weight loss goals.