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Pasta

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Photo of uncooked pasta
Photo of uncooked bowtie pasta
Photo of a bowl of cooked penne pasta
Photo credits (left to right): Photo credits (top to bottom): Flickr: Identity Photogr@phy; Flickr: Rubber Dragon; Flickr: bochalla

Foods Included

Whole Wheat Pasta or White Flour Pasta (i.e. Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Bow-tie), Quinoa Pasta, Couscous

Description

Whole wheat pasta is a healthy choice because it contains unprocessed whole wheat flour, which means its natural bran, germ, fiber, vitamins and minerals remain intact. Quinoa pasta and brown rice pasta are healthy gluten-free options.

Buy It

  • Look for "whole wheat" or "whole grain" as the first ingredient.
  • Try pasta made from other types of flour, like quinoa, for something different or if you can't tolerate gluten.

Store It

  • Store pasta in a cool, dry, dark place, like your pantry.
  • Leftover cooked pasta can be stored in the refridgerator for later use.

Cook It

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for about 10 minutes (or as indicated on package directions). Drain pasta with a collander.
  • Serve with a tomato sauce and sauteed vegetables for a warm, filling meal.

Why It's Great

  • Unlike white pasta, the bran and germ part of the grain stay intact in whole wheat products.
  • Whole wheat pasta will also keep you feeling full longer than white pasta.
  • B Vitamins helps our cells grow and stay healthy.
  • Fiber helps with healthy digestion and keeps us feeling full. Eating enough fiber has been shown to keep our hearts healthy too.
  • Magnesium helps with muscle function and energy production.
  • Manganese helps to keep our bones and nervous system healthy.

Try It

Whole Wheat Pasta with Lemon
15 mins
Photo of the prepared recipe
Pasta with Garden Sauce
1 hr
Photo of a bowl with pasta and garden sauce
Somali Pasta with Beef and Vegetables
45 mins
Photo of prepared Somali Pasta with Beef and Vegetables
Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
25 mins
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Squash and Corn Pasta Soup
40 mins
Photo of the prepared recipe
Whole Wheat Pasta with Diced Tomatoes and Salmon
40 mins
Photo of the prepared recipe

“Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit http://calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.”