Every now and again a big giant bowl of pasta sounds delicious. I typically try to stay away from carbs after 2pm, but sometimes you just have to give in. Giving in every now and again allows us to be sensible. Have you heard of those people who do fitness competitions and the month before the competition they go on a ridiculously strict diet, then once the competition is over they go eat the most unhealthy thing and tons of it. I had a friend consume and entire cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory after a competition once. On a side note, I'm sure I would do the same thing if I competed. The point is, if you give in every now and again and you are less likely to binge eat. On that note of being sensible, as much as I want to go with the delicious refined white pasta, I try not to give in to that temptation too often and typically go with a whole wheat, whole grain or a quinoa pasta. Though, sometimes I have a full on splurge and go for the deliciously processed white pasta. Tonight, I was not only good by going with a whole grain pasta, I went and extra step and did 1/2 pasta with 1/2 Shirataki noodles, which are tofu based and super low cal with no carbs. I'll post the recipe below calling for spaghetti noodles, but know you can make this lower calorie and lower carb by substituting 1/2 or all Shirataki noodles.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the boiling water will ensure your pasta has flavor
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium to high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, for about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate. The shrimp will not be 100% percent cooked at this point, so no taste tests!!!
Add your noodles to the pot of boiling water and cook per the directions on the package.
Next, add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute. Next add the tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stir occasionally for about 20 minutes. Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook for one minute on medium to low heat.
Strain the noodles or better yet, use tongs to transfer the noodles directly in to the sauce. NEVER, EVER, EVER rinse your pasta noodles. That is seriously just sinful.
Finally toss the noodles and the sauce with the shrimp together. Add the parsley and basil and toss again.
This should make 4-6 servings. Enjoy!