Healthy Garlic Basil Noodles

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 150 g whole wheat or millet noodles
• 8–10 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp mixed herbs or Italian seasoning (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots), sliced
• 100 g grilled chicken, tofu, paneer, or edamame (optional, for extra protein)

Method

1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 2–3 tbsp of the cooking water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until lightly golden and fragrant. Avoid burning it.
4. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
5. Add basil leaves and cook for 30–60 seconds until wilted.
6. Toss in the cooked noodles along with the reserved noodle water.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and mixed herbs.
8. Add the grilled chicken, tofu, or paneer if using.
9. Finish with lemon juice, toss well, and serve hot.

To Make It More Weight-Loss Friendly

• Add 100–150 g lean protein (grilled chicken, tofu, paneer, shrimp, or edamame) to increase satiety.
• Include 2 cups of vegetables to boost fiber and volume.
• Stick to 2 teaspoons of olive oil for healthy fats without excess calories.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds (1 tsp) for added minerals and crunch.