Colorful Penne Primavera

Penna Primavera is a colorful, tasty and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. You can add a light green salad and any meat, fish or chicken as a side dish for a full course meal. However Penne Primavera can be served as a meal by itself.

Use a wholegrain penne or pasta for this dish. You can buy whole grains at a good health food store. Read the cooking directions as different whole grains require different amounts of cooking times.

Numerous studies have linked whole grains with prevention from heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity. Whole grains are important contributors to good health. They contain many valuable nutrients which are not found in refined grains. They are also fat free and cholesterol free, making them healthy choice.

A whole grain is essentially a grain which has been hulled but not further processed. They can either be cracked as grits, coarsely ground as meal, or finely ground as flour. The most nutritious are found in parts of the grain such as the bran and germ, which remain intact in whole grains.

When a whole grain is combined with vegetables, legumes, nuts or seeds the vitamin and protein content is improved. There are endless possibilities when using whole grains in cooking. Whole grains are low in fat and sodium, yet contribute dietary fibres, minerals and vitamins to the diet.

Colorful Penne Primavera

4 -6 servings

• 1 pound cooked whole grain penne
• 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, coarsely shredded
• ½ of each red, yellow, green pepper, chopped
• 1 small bunch broccoli, cut into small florets
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Directions

• Begin cooking penne. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil; add garlic and sauté until soft.
• Add onion and sauté additional for one minute.
• Add carrots, peppers and broccoli.
• Cover and steam stirring occasionally until vegetables are crisp tender.
• Add pepper to taste.
• Toss vegetable mixture with cooked penne together with touch 2 T. olive oil and sprinkle with cheese.
• Serve hot with large green salad.

Bon Appetite!...TKH