Black Rice Pasta

I had to try this black rice pasta when I saw it in the store. I already had some black rice soba noodles and I loved it, but it is hard to do it justice in a photograph. I will definitely try that again. Black rice is rich in antioxidants which I like to eat instead of blueberries. Everyone gives me a hard time because I don't like blueberries and they are so healthy for you. Then I found that black rice has just as much antioxidants as blueberries so I eat that instead! Now I found the black rice pasta...what could be better?

Anyway the other thing that I have found in the stores lately is Philadelphia Cooking Creme, that is supposed to make cooking a meal a snap. It comes in many flavors like Santa Fe, Italian, and Savory Garlic. But looking at the ingredients it has little "creme" but various gums, and additives even corn syrup. Being that it is next to the cream cheese I thought I would go with that instead.

So I used:

• 4oz cream cheese (just 4oz, I have a small family, use the whole 8oz package if making more)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (or creme fresh or Mexican crema)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth if going vegetarian)
• 2 cloves chopped garlic (more or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives

This is the basic sauce that I used for the savory garlic. for the Santa Fe you can use chilies and cumin. The Italian use some Italian seasoning . You could probably even use some Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream. I just heated it in a sauce pan to make in smooth and creamy. Just a few more steps from opening the tub, but i think it's worth it.

I quick stir fried some Chinese broccoli, shallots,  and chicken if you like, this one was vegetarian. Then add shredded carrots, and diced tomatoes, then add the cooked pasta, and mix in the sauce. Top with Parmesan, or cotija cheese like I did here.

Really it tastes better than it looks, and it's fairly healthy with the greens and black rice pasta. The pasta will look better for serving if you didn't use a cream sauce, but it sure tastes good and the flavor was there.

)

She had fun checking everything out, just so many new things to take in...she was chasing birds and lizards, and even got a chance to meet some doggy friends.

This was Linked to Camera Critters and Meatless Mondays. Weekend Potluck and (Gluten free) Weekly Meal Plan .