I love a tasty, easy, slimming friendly Pasta Bake!

This is what I created one evening when I really couldn't be bothered to create much else... I used my favourite BBQ sauce recipe, some bacon and veg that I had in the fridge.

I love this kind of simple meal, minimal effort but maximum deliciousness.

Of course, if you really don't want to make the sauce yourself, you could use a low sugar BBQ sauce instead. I like to make up a batch of my own BBQ sauce, and then either freeze it or keep it in the fridge for another time.

This dish served two of us, with plenty of leftovers for the next day. I always cook a little extra to have another time!

If you also don't have the time to let it bake, just cook the pasta all the way, mix it up and serve! It really is that simple.

Do you like pasta? What's your favourite? Let me know in the comments!

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Related Recipes

BBQ Beef Brisket

Balsamic BBQ Pulled Chicken

BBQ Meatball Fries

Thinking of trying out these recipes? If you do, I would love to see a picture of your creation! @SugarPinkFood on Twitter, @sugarpinkfood_sw on Instagram or Sugar Pink Food: Slimming Recipes on Facebook!

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What do you think of this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!

BBQ Bacon Pasta Bake Recipe

Extra Easy Syn Value: Syn Free

Healthy Extras: 1 x A

Serves 4

All syn calculations are my own, and are for guidance only. I am not affiliated with Slimming World in any way. These are meals and recipes that I have followed myself. This website is unofficial and in no way part of or representative of Slimming World. You should check with Slimming world for the most up to date Syn values using official resources such as the Syns calculator, Syns Online on LifelineOnline or by calling the Syns Hotline on (0906) 851 8518.

You will need:

5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
6 bacon medallions, all fat removed
1 onion, diced
1 red pepper, finely sliced
1/2 small tin sweetcorn
1 tsp mustard powder
500g carton of passata
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
3 tbsp sweetener
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 pint coke zero
250g dried pasta of your choice
120g light cheese
low-calorie cooking spray

Method:

In a saucepan and the balsamic vinegar, coke zero and Worcester sauce. Bring to the boil and then leave to reduce.

Mix in passata, mustard powder, garlic, smoked paprika, sweetener, and seasoning. Bring to the boil and then allow to simmer for 10-15 mins until it has thickened and reduced.

Spray a pan with low-calorie cooking spray, and fry off the bacon, onions and pepper.

Par-boil the dried pasta for 5 minutes.

Mix the bacon and veg mix with the BBQ sauce and pasta. Add to a shallow pasta bake tray, and mix well. Topped with the cheese.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling.

Notes

I am not affiliated with Slimming World in any way. These are meals and recipes that I have followed myself.

All images and content on Sugar Pink Food is copyright protected.

If you wish to share this recipe, then please do so by using the share options provided. Do not screenshot or post recipe or content in full

L x

18:40 12 comments

I love a good KFC, and have been creating loads of different KFC Fakeaway recipes for my site. Once I managed to nail the mix of herbs and spices used to create a perfect replica, the possibilities were endless!

As the festive season is fast approaching, they brought out a special festive burger. A KFC style fillet, a crispy hash brown, a delicious sage and onion stuffing mayo and topped with a tangy cranberry dressing and a layer of cheese.

The real thing can set you back upwards of 20 syns, so I knew I wanted to make a version for myself.

A little while ago I perfected some delicious Crispy Baked Hash Browns, so used these as the hashbrowns for this recipe. I have also started buying Schär Gluten Free Ciabatta Rolls, as they count as a Healthy Extra B on Slimming World, and really taste like a white Ciabatta. They are also amazing for Garlic Bread or as a Bruschetta.

This recipe can be made completely freshly with my special blend of herbs and spices, or you could try out Tony's Kitchen Syn Free Southern Fried Chicken Mix. Use code 'SugarPink' to get 10% off!

Follow me on Instagram to get the first look at recipes like this!

Related Recipes

KFC Style Famous Bowl

KFC Style Feast

KFC Style Double Down

Thinking of trying out these recipes? If you do, I would love to see a picture of your creation! @SugarPinkFood on Twitter, @sugarpinkfood_sw on instagram or Sugar Pink Food: Slimming Recipes on Facebook!

What do you think of this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!

KFC Zinger Tower Burger Recipe

Extra Easy Syn Value: 4.5 Syns

Healthy Extras: B

You will need:

*Click here for the Hasbrown Recipe*

For the chicken:2 Small Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets
2 slices of 400g wholemeal bread
1 teaspoon oregano
1.5 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to your spice taste)
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 eggs

Sage & onion mayo:

Extra light mayo
Pinch Dried sage
Pinch of Onion salt

To serve:

Lettuce
2 x Schär Gluten Free White Ciabatta Rolls
2 American reduced fat cheese slices
Cranberry sauce

Method:

Prepare the hashbrowns.

Blitz the bread in a food processor until it's created fine breadcrumbs. Put into a bowl and add all of the seasonings and mix until everything is blended together to create your coating.

Crack the egg into a dish and whisk. The chicken needs to be dipped in the egg and then to the breadcrumb mixture and repeated to get an even coating.

Tip: Only use one hand for touching the egg and the other hand for touching than the breadcrumbs. This stops a sticky mixture on your fingers!

Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 mins on a medium heat. Always check the chicken is cooked all the way through before serving.

Mix the mayo ingredients together.

To serve, add the sage and onion mayo on the base of a warmed Schär Gluten Free White Ciabatta Roll, then put lettuce on top of that.

Add the chicken breast, then cheese slice, then hashbrowns, and top with the cranberry sauce (sun accordingly if using lots!)

Enjoy!

Notes

Syn calculations are all carried out as a paying Slimming World member, I am not a consultant! It is always recommended to check syn values yourself.

All images and content on Sugar Pink Food is copyright protected.

If you wish to share this recipe, then please do so by using the share options provided. Do not screenshot or post recipe or content in full

L x

12:08 No comments

*This is a collaborative post with Holland's Pies. All opinions are honest and my own*

Every now and then, we all need to enjoy a cosy night in with some delicious comfort food. It's the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy life gets in the way.

When the weather starts to get a little colder, I look forward to taking the time to have a long soak in the bath, light the candles, sit under a blanket and enjoy some of my favourite comfort food.

I teamed up with Holland's Pies, who kindly sent me some of their new range of vegetarian pies, to have a cosy night in. Pies are one of the best savoury comfort foods there is, especially with delicious creamy mashed potato and some thick, rich gravy.

My kind of comfort food is anything that warms the soul like pies, casseroles, hot chocolates etc.

So that I could enjoy my evening of comfort food and relaxation to the max, I had to wear my most comfortable set of pyjamas! They're super soft and fleecy.

I also enjoyed a delicious salted caramel hot chocolate, topped with some whipped cream and pink sprinkles!

Holland’s started life as a baker’s shop in Lancashire in 1851. For over 168 years, its proper tasty range has been baked to a secret traditional recipe, passed down from generation to generation using only the finest of ingredients ever since.

They now prepare 1.2 million pies every week and are now adding Wyke Farms Mature Cheddar Cheese and Onion Pie, and the Vegetarian Mince and Gravy Pie to their delicious range.

The new frozen two-pack pie is the perfect meat-free meal option. A rich and creamy mature cheddar and Red Leicester cheese, blended with onions and baked in Holland’s crumbly shortcrust pastry.

The pies can be both microwaved or oven cooked, so they are perfect to have in the freezer to pull out for a meat-free, weeknight comfort meal.

I baked my pies in the oven, serving them for me and my boyfriend, with peas, creamy mash and gravy- perfect comfort food.

The pies were generously filled, and the mature cheddar made it feel extra decadent. The rich flavour was perfectly balanced with the onion.

After tucking into my delicious pie and mash, I relaxed on the sofa with some Saturday night TV and another cheeky hot chocolate, feeling relaxed, comforted, and ready to tackle the new week ahead!

Holland’s Pies are available to purchase through various retail outlets including fish & chip shops, all leading supermarkets; offering frozen, chilled and hot food-to-go. Find your nearest stockist of the pies here.

22:07 No comments

*This is a collaborative post*

Now, before you start @ing me, I'm not talking about eating yourself into a junk food fuelled stupor. Actually, this method of eating yourself to sleep is quite different, indeed, as well as slimming friendly! In fact, there is evidence to show that getting enough good quality sleep can help with weight loss and our fitness regimes. To that end, check out how to eat yourself healthily to sleep below.

Protein

One of the best food types to eat if you want to nod gently off to sleep is protein. This is because our bodies have to work hard to digest it. Something that means a lot of energy is used up by the stomach and makes us feel nice and sleepy. Additionally, foods high in protein are also high in amino acids called tryptophans, which also encourage a sleepy restful state in the body.

Happily, lean protein is a very slimming friendly way to eat! Something that means you have plenty of choices here. One in particular that can work like a dream is low fat cottage cheese as a snack before bed. Although lean turkey slices, hard-boiled eggs, and even fatty fish such as salmon should do the trick too.

Fruits and vegetables

While fruits, as long as they are uncooked, are slimming friendly, we do tend to think of them as packed with sugar. Something that makes it unlikely that they are the best thing to snack on just before bed.

However, this is not the case with every type of fruit. In fact, some, such as delicious kiwis, are actually excellent at promoting sleep. This is because kiwis are stuffed full of good things like serotonin and antioxidants, which are perfect for encouraging a good night's rest.

Although, if kiwis aren't your thing, there is no need to panic. In fact, there are plenty of other plant-based, slimming-friendly options you can try too. In fact, if you look for magnesium and potassium filled foods such as bananas, citrus fruits, and leafy green vegetables, you'll be off to the land of nod in no time.

Supplements

Of course, not everyone is willing or able to eat a substantial snack before bed. Happily, there are other alternatives. One that you may like to consider is CBD oil. With the amount you need to take being almost inconsequential to your slimming plan if you stick to your daily allowances. In fact, why not read more about hemp oil benefits before you make your decision? It may just be precisely what you are looking for.

Alternatively, you may wish to try melatonin. A hormone that also naturally occurs in the body. In fact, the body produces more melatonin at night to help you sleep. Therefore by adding more, you can help to improve this process.

Teas

Finally, do not forget that you can also opt for an herbal tea to help you get off to sleep in a slimming friendly fashion. Look for chamomile, and passionflower in particular. The reason being that these are known to have nootropic qualities. Just don't forget to account for your milk, if you choose to add it!

19:33 No comments

14:47 No comments

*This is a collaborative post*

The colder months are upon us and unfortunately along with them often comes the germ season. These next few weeks are often the time that we can start to feel under the weather, take time off work and have to miss out on fun with our friends and our families. Whilst we cannot completely prevent you from falling ill, we can offer you a few suggestions of how to avoid it. Here are a few ideas for how to stay well this winter, and we hope that every one of you manages to dodge those pesky germs!

Eat healthily

At this time of year it is easy to let all of your good eating habits fall into decline. The darker, colder nights have many of us craving comfort food and snacking on sugary foods as we huddle up inside.

Make an effort to prepare healthy meals for yourself this winter. It helps to meal plan in advance in order to help you to stick to this. Ensure that you carry out your food shopping when you are not hungry and make sure that you have enough food to cover the whole week. Otherwise it is all too easy to get to the last day before you shop again and order a takeaway.

Pay attention to the colours of your food. The more colourful it is, the more fruit and vegetables you are likely to be packing in. Aim to eat a good variety of them over the course of each week and take care to up your green leafy vegetable intake.

Get outside

When it is cold and wet, the last thing that we feel like doing is getting outside. Yet it will make a huge difference to both your physical and mental health so do make the effort to keep getting outdoors throughout the colder months.

Wrap up warm and head to see pretty Christmas lights, meander through the forest trails, walk your dog or simply walk to work or your local shops every once in a while. You will feel the benefits of the fresh air, get a much needed vitamin D boost and you know that the exercise will do you good.

Exercise regularly

Aim to get some cardiovascular exercise in each and every week. By doing this you will be boosting your immune system and helping it to be stronger in the event that it needs to fight off viruses or bacteria.

If you go to the gym already, then do not let the darker mornings or evenings put you off. Remind yourself how good it is for you and how great you feel after a workout.

If gyms are not for you and you have yet to find something that you can do to exercise regularly, have a look around at classes and clubs that are local to you. Ask your friends whether they fancy taking up a new sport with you or get out and pound the pavement running a few times each week.

Have a few early nights

If ever there was a time of year where you end up burning the candle at both ends, it is now. It’s great fun to get out and about with family and friends enjoying the festive season, so say yes to those invitations but ensure that you balance the late nights out. You need to make sure that on those evenings when you are home, you try to grab a few early nights.

You need plenty of sleep to refresh and restore your body and give it a chance to fight off any bugs. Try to make it a habit to go to bed an hour early at least once a week to ensure that you can catch up on any missed sleep and keep your body firing on all cylinders.

Wash your hands

Germs are often passed on through people touching various surfaces when they are poorly and out and about. If you then touch the same surfaces and ingest those germs, you are likely to get ill too.

The best way to prevent this from happening is to wash your hands frequently. Get into the habit of washing them whenever you have been out and certainly before eating. Soap and warm water is always the most effective way to kill germs, but use a hand sanitiser if you cannot wash with soap as it will still kill many germs off for you.

Drink plenty of water

This one always stands us in good stead, we know that drinking plenty of water is good for us. The trouble with the colder days is that we find ourselves reaching to put the kettle on and making hot drinks to warm us up more and more. On top of this, we are out and about more and probably drinking more alcohol than at other times during the year which again offsets that water intake.

There are so many benefits of drinking water, from helping to maintain your blood pressure to lubricating your joints, this one really is not something that we can understate. It is an easy way for you to give your health a boost with very little effort. The key is to prioritise it and make it a habit to always have a drink nearby so that you are sipping all throughout the day.

Get together with friends and family

There is evidence that our mental health and loneliness can have a direct impact on our physical wellbeing and our bodies’ abilities to fight off illnesses. As such, it seems like a great reason to get together with friends and family.

This is about being social and enjoying yourself, so take the time to book in a few fun catch ups with the people that you love most and enjoy their company.

Make sure that the events are things that you enjoy, as you do not want to be getting those stress levels rising and having needless late nights doing things that you do not even want to do. If huge parties are not your thing, politely decline and suggest a smaller catch up with them at another time.

Stock up in advance

Whilst you do not want to tempt fate, it does help to be prepared and stock up in advance. It would be wonderful to get through the next few months without so much as a sniffle, but few of us will manage to do that so do yourself a favour and get some supplies in. They should help you to reduce the ill effects of your illness and feel back to your normal self more quickly

Along with regular painkillers, you might like to get some cold and flu supplies in, echinacea, nasal spray, dioralyte and throat pastilles. You could grab them within your regular shopping or order online from the comfort of your own home from this pharmacy

Just relax

How simple is this one to do? It is also a lovely one to tick off your list as you know you will enjoy every second of it!

When we relax we can keep our stress hormones down, which prevents them from getting in the way of other cells in our bodies that are there to fight infections. There really is a good reason for you to curl up with a good book, take in a feel-good movie or catch up with friends.

Take the time to wind down at least once a day and indulge yourself by doing something that you enjoy and helps you to relax.

17:10 No comments