If you're looking for a quick and easy meal option, Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta might be the answer. One serving of this filling, which is three-fourths of a cup or 227 grams, contains 290 calories. However, before you decide to make it a regular part of your diet, it's important to understand more about its ingredients and nutritional value.
Apart from calories, a single serving of Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling also contains 8 grams of total fat, 20 milligrams of cholesterol, 710 milligrams of sodium, and 14 grams of protein. As for carbohydrates, it has 39 grams, 3 grams of which come from dietary fiber, and 8 grams of sugar.
In this article, we'll look at how you can cook, store, and modify Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling according to your dietary preferences.
What is Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta?
Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta is a pre-packaged meal mix that includes pasta, pizza sauce, and spices. It's designed to be a convenient and easy meal to cook, requiring minimal preparation time. The product is available in most supermarkets, and it's a popular option for people looking for quick and easy meal options. The ingredients of Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta include enriched pasta (wheat flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), tomato puree (water, tomato paste), sugar, modified corn starch, salt, spices, onion, garlic, and paprika extract. The product does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
Why is the calorie count important?
calories are a measure of the energy provided by food. Consuming more calories than your body needs can result in weight gain, while consuming fewer calories can lead to weight loss. So, if you're watching your weight, it's important to pay attention to the calorie count of the food you eat, including Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling. According to the American Heart Association, an average adult should consume around 2,000 calories per day to maintain their weight. However, individual calorie needs may vary depending on factors like age, gender, height, weight, and physical activity level. To help control your calorie intake, you can use measuring cups, food scales, or nutrition tracking apps to keep track of the amount of food you eat.
What are the typical ingredients of Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta?
As mentioned earlier, Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling contains enriched pasta, tomato puree, sugar, modified corn starch, salt, spices, onion, garlic, and paprika extract. While these ingredients are relatively common in pasta and pizza dishes, it's worth noting that Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta is a processed food and may contain additives like preservatives and stabilizers. If you're looking to avoid processed food, you can make your own pizza pasta filling using whole-grain pasta, fresh tomatoes, and herbs. This will allow you to control the ingredients and the calorie count of your meal.
How to cook Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta?
Cooking Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta is easy and quick. Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pour the Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling into a baking dish, and mix it well with 1 1/2 cups of hot water.
- Cover the dish with foil, and bake it for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top of the pasta.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional value of Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta Filling
Apart from calories, Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling contains various nutrients and minerals. Here's a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:
- Total fat: 8 grams
- Saturated fat: 2.5 grams
- Trans fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
- Sodium: 710 milligrams
- Total carbohydrate: 39 grams
- Dietary fiber: 3 grams
- Total sugars: 8 grams
- Protein: 14 grams
How to make a healthy Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta?
While Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling is convenient to use, it may not be the healthiest option. However, you can make it a healthier meal by making a few modifications. Here are some tips:
- Use less cheese: Cheese is a significant source of saturated fat and calories. Consider using less cheese or opting for lower-fat cheese options.
- Add more vegetables: You can add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers to increase the nutrient content of the dish.
- Choose whole-grain pasta: Whole-grain pasta is a healthier option than refined pasta, as it contains more fiber and nutrients. Consider using it in place of the pasta included in the Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta box.
- Reduce the sodium: Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta is high in sodium. You can reduce the amount of salt by using a low-sodium tomato sauce or making your own sauce.
How to reduce the calorie count of Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta Filling?
If you're looking to reduce the calorie count of your Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta meal, here are some tips:
- Use less filling: Instead of using three-fourths of a cup per serving, consider reducing it to half a cup or less. This will decrease the calorie count of your meal.
- Opt for a smaller serving size: You can also reduce the calorie count by opting for a smaller serving size. Instead of eating the entire filling by yourself, share it with a friend or family member.
- Combine it with a salad: You can balance out the calorie count of your meal by combining it with a large salad or other low-calorie side dishes like roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.
How to store Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta?
If you have leftover Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, reheating the filling may cause it to become dry, so it's best to add some liquid like broth or tomato sauce before reheating. Alternatively, you can freeze the filling in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Side dishes that go well with Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta Filling
While Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling can be a standalone meal, you can make it a more substantial meal by pairing it with some side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Side salad: You can pair your Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta with a side salad made from greens, vegetables, and a low-calorie dressing.
- Garlic bread: If you're not watching your carbohydrate intake, you can pair your filling with some garlic bread or toast.
- Roasted veggies: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are a great way to add some nutrients and flavor to your meal.
- Steamed broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a low-calorie and nutritious side dish that can complement your Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling.
What are the benefits of Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta Filling?
Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta filling is a convenient and easy meal option for busy days. It requires minimal preparation time and can be customized according to your preferences. Additionally, it's a good source of protein and carbohydrates, and it can be paired with various side dishes to make a complete meal. However, it's worth noting that Homestyle Bakes - Pizza Pasta is a processed food and may contain additives and preservatives. It's also relatively high in sodium and calories, so it's not the healthiest option out there. If you're looking to make it a healthier meal, consider making modifications like using less cheese or opting for whole-grain pasta.
A healthy outside starts from the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta
1. What is the serving size for Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta?
The serving size for Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta is 3/4 cup (227 g).
2. How many calories are in a serving of Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta?
A serving of Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta (3/4 cup or 227 g) contains 290 calories.
3. What is the texture of Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta?
Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta has a soft texture, similar to baked pasta with a sauce.
4. What ingredients are in Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta?
The ingredients in Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta include enriched macaroni product (wheat flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), tomato paste, sugar, modified food starch, salt, spices, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, and yeast extract.
5. How do I prepare Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta?
To prepare Homestyle Bakes Pizza Pasta, preheat your oven to 375°F. Pour the contents of the package into an 8x8 inch baking dish, and stir in 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the pasta is tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.