Macarrão com Queijo de Minas

Macarrão com Queijo de Minas is a delicious and comforting Brazilian pasta dish that combines the creaminess of Minas cheese with the heartiness of whole grain pasta. This healthy recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Whole grain pasta - 150 grams
• Queijo de Minas (fresh cheese) - 100 grams, crumbled
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Fresh basil - 10 grams, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Parmesan cheese - 20 grams, grated (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic, and mix well.
6. Stir in the crumbled Queijo de Minas, fresh basil, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Queijo de Minas is a good source of protein and calcium, supporting muscle health and bone strength.

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