Revolutionizing Whole Wheat Penne Pasta: A Yummilicious and Healthy Recipe

Whole wheat penne pasta used to be a bland, uninspiring choice for pasta lovers. However, with the advent of high-quality, locally-produced whole wheat pasta and creative recipes, you can now enjoy a pasta dish that's both nutritious and delicious. This article explores why certain recipes elevate whole wheat penne pasta to a new level and provides step-by-step instructions for making a walnut cream penne.

Why Whole Wheat Pasta?

Whole wheat penne pasta stands out from its refined counterparts due to its natural, distinctive flavor. Unlike typical pasta, which is primarily a vessel for sauces, whole wheat penne has a rich, earthy taste that deserves to be the star of the dish. To fully appreciate it, consider using whole wheat penne in a creative recipe that highlights its unique flavor.

Walnut Cream Penne Recipe

A personal favorite is penne with walnut cream, a rich and flavorful dish that marries the nutty texture of toasted walnuts with the smooth, creamy flavor of a walnut cream sauce. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this delightful dish:

Ingredients

250gm whole wheat penne pasta Walnuts, toasted and skinned A clove of garlic Parsley Grated cheese Milk Water Boiled fresh penne (to be added later)

Method

Toast the walnuts in a pan until they are lightly browned. Remove them from the pan and into a sieve to remove most of the skin. This layer is often bitter and does not contribute to the overall taste of the dish. Blend the walnuts with a clove of garlic, some parsley, grated cheese, a splash of milk, and some water. This will form the base of the walnut cream sauce. Boil your whole wheat penne pasta in salted water until it is al dente. Drain the pasta but set aside some of the pasta water in case it needs to be thinned. Add the cooked penne back into the pan where you prepared the walnut cream sauce. Mix gently to combine the pasta with the walnut cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Serve hot and enjoy your yummilicious walnut cream penne pasta.

Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe for Diet-friendly Eating

If you're on a diet and craving pasta, a healthy yet tasty whole wheat pasta recipe can be a great choice. Here’s a simple and nutritious recipe that emphasizes the use of vegetables to enhance the flavor of the pasta:

Ingredients

250gm whole wheat penne pasta 4 ripe tomatoes 400gm broccoli 1 green bell pepper 1 red bell pepper 1 onion 4-5 mushrooms 1 tbsp tomato sauce 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp red chilly flakes 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp black pepper powder 3 tbsp oil Salt to taste

Method

First, chop the vegetables into medium-sized pieces. Vegetables are key to making whole wheat pasta tasty and nutritious. Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil in a pot. Add 1 tsp of salt and oil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook for about 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Use a knife to check if the pasta is cooked through. In a pressure cooker, sauté the tomato, red chilies, ginger, and garlic cloves with 1 cup of water. Cook until it whistles once. Allow the mixture to cool, then blend it to make a smooth paste. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil and sauté the vegetables until they are cooked but not overdone. Set aside. In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and add the blended tomato paste, oregano, red chilly flakes, tomato sauce, vinegar, and soya sauce. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to thicken. Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed vegetables to the pan, and mix well. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Serve the whole wheat pasta hot and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

There are several videos available online, and I have demonstrated this recipe in a video. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more healthy cooking ideas.

Conclusion

Whole wheat penne pasta can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to your diet. By using simple and creative recipes, you can transform whole wheat pasta into a dish that pleases both your taste buds and your health-conscious goals. Whether you're enjoying a hearty walnut cream penne or a vegetable-packed whole wheat pasta, you're choosing a meal that’s both delicious and beneficial.