Blog
Pregame Pasta
Fuel up before your big game
Lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates are the name of the game for athletes looking for a healthy pregame meal. Try this one out today:
- 8 ounces pasta (use rice pasta for gluten-free version), prepared in salted water
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (or a pinch of dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 cups canned chunky tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Heat water to a boil, add salt. When returned to a boil, add pasta. Boil 8-10 minutes, or per package instructions. Drain.
While water is boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and seasoning.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften. Add the garlic and thyme. Add salt and pepper. Cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in another large pan on high heat.
Add beef and tomato sauce to onions: Use a slotted spoon to lift the meat from the cast pan and add it to the pan with the seasoned onions, then add tomato sauce.
Add basil. Add a teaspoon of sugar. Bring to a simmer on low heat, let cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Add pasta: Once the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, adjust seasonings. Stir in the cooked pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
