Cavatappi al Forno

Cavatappi al Forno is a delightful baked pasta dish that combines the nutty flavor of almond flour pasta with a rich, homemade tomato sauce and savory ground meat, all topped with a crispy layer of dairy-free cheese. This Paleo-friendly recipe offers a comforting taste of Italy while adhering to healthy eating principles.

Ingredients

• Cavatappi pasta (almond flour) - 200g
• Ground beef or turkey - 200g
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion, diced - 1 small
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Canned crushed tomatoes - 400g
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Paleo-friendly cheese (optional) - 50g

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the almond flour cavatappi pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle nutritional yeast and Paleo-friendly cheese (if using) on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from the meat, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in fiber from the almond flour and tomatoes, aiding digestion.

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