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Pasta makes for a versatile backdrop to some delicious veggies! Here are some unique ones you may want to try with your family

Incorporating vegetables into your diet is now easier than ever! Simply add it to pasta sauces for a convenient, delicious, and nutritious meal. If you've been meaning to sneak more of these nutritious goodies into your diet in a fuss-free manner, then it's time to follow suit and prepare these wholesome tasty recipes you can return to time and again. Once you’ve tried them all, don’t be afraid to take a page from their book and experiment with other vegetables you can blend into your pasta bases, too.

In case you missed it: Pairing pasta and sauce: how to choose the right pasta shape for your sauce

Spinach

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A nice, creamy, cheesy spinach pasta recipe is sure to hit the spot! Incorporate this superfood into your noodles by adding cream, cheese (parmesan or ricotta), and perhaps even some nuts (cashews or pine nuts would be great) for an added boost of nutrition. You'll be surprised at how indulgent a well-made spinach pasta can be—but without the guilt! 

Here's a recipe to try! 

Related: 5 ways to incorporate more spinach into your diet

Squash

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Nutritionists always tell us to add a little colour to our plate! If you're looking for a pop of vibrance, consider using squash as a pasta base. It will add a touch of sweetness to a dish you can further enhance with herbs or nutritious green leaves. All you have to do is boil the squash until soft and—voila! An easy-to-use and healthy vegetable base you can incorporate into any kind of pasta. 

Here's a recipe to try!

Read more: Where to order fresh pasta: squid ink tagliatelle, truffle ricotta ravioli, and more

Malunggay

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Affordable and easy to access, malunggay is a Filipino superfood for a reason. It's packed with beneficial minerals and nutrients that increase immunity and overall health. If you're looking for an easy way to add it to your diet or weekly meal plan, just turn it into a pasta base! You can even mix it in with other green leafy leaves such as spinach, or do something similar and add nuts and cheese into the mix. It's all up to you!

Here's a recipe to try!

See also: Forgotten fruit: paying homage to the delicious Philippine fruits ripe with nostalgia

Chickpea

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You read that right! This unique pasta base is a fantastic choice for those looking for a vegan and dairy-free alternative to white sauce. The secret to perfecting this dish? Seasoning. Make sure to get fresh herbs and spices to add depth of flavour and complexity to your recipe. Remember to be patient with your beans too! Chickpeas can take a while to reach the perfect texture, but once they do, you'll be glad you persisted! 

Here's a recipe to try!

Read more: Plant-based food by a non-vegetarian chef: how Mimi Vergara-Tupas is supercharging Davao’s vegan scene

Beets

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There's no doubt about it: this dish will pop on your table. Incorporate a healthy dose of beets to your favourite kind of pasta for a unique look and taste that everyone will crave later on in the week. 

Here's a recipe to try!

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