Say Goodbye to Bloating: Try This Crohn’s-Friendly Tomato Basil Pasta Today
Today, I’m excited to share a dish that has been a staple in my kitchen for years: Tomato Basil Pasta.
This simple yet comforting meal is a perfect choice for those of us living with Crohn’s. It’s gentle on the gut, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soothing meal to help you through a flare-up, this recipe is here to save the day. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of spaghetti (or gluten-free spaghetti if needed)
- 1 can (28 oz) of peeled tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped (optional
Cooking Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt to taste. Once the water comes to a boiling, cook the spaghetti and cook al dente. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
- The Sauce: Use large skillet, add the olive oil on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden.
- Blend the Tomatoes: While the garlic is cooking, use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the whole peeled tomatoes until smooth.
- Cook the sauce at a simmer: Let the tomato and garlic mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to melt together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat. Add the chopped fresh basil and parsley, and stir to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Add Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately, while it’s hot and fragrant. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, gut-friendly meal!
Tomato Tip for Easier Digestion
If you enjoy tomatoes but struggle with digestion, there’s a simple solution: peel them and remove the seeds. The skin and seeds are higher in insoluble fiber, which can be harder to digest for those with Crohn’s. By taking this extra step, you can still enjoy the flavor of fresh tomatoes with less risk of irritation.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the gentle cooking method make it a perfect choice for those of us who need to be mindful of our digestive health. Happy cooking, and take care!