Multi-Grain Pastas Provide Delicious Ways To Add Whole Grains To Your Diet

Say good-bye to grit. Replacing regular pasta with a whole grain variety no longer means sacrificing great taste. The new generation of multi-grain pastas offers whole grain nutrition with delicious taste and texture.

"Whole grains are critical to a balanced, healthy diet, as evidenced by the FDA's new dietary guidelines," said Lisa Sasson, a clinical assistant professor at New York University's Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health. "The good news is that health-conscious parents have more ways to incorporate grains into their families' diets. Multi-grain pasta, which is versatile and economical, is ideal for consumers who want to prepare quick and nutritious meals that even kids will love."

Containing more than 80 percent whole grains, one serving of the multi-grain pastas from Mueller's, Golden Grain and Heartland provide 100 percent of the USDA daily recommendation of whole grains and are certified by the American Heart Association. in penne, rotini and spaghetti shapes, their subtle toasty and nutty taste complements both white and red sauces. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

Spinach Rotini Salad

12 oz Mueller's, Golden Grain or Heartland Multi Grain Rotini

4 oz fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Italian dressing

3/4 cup tomatoes, diced

4 oz regular or turkey pepperoni, julienned

8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

salt and pepper to taste

Cook rotini per package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain. Combine all remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add pasta and mix well.

Confetti Penne Pasta

12 oz Mueller's, Golden Grain or Heartland Multi Grain Penne

1/3 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp chopped garlic

3/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

2 cups broccoli florets, cut small and cooked

1 lb cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1 cup chicken broth

Cook penne per package directions. Drain, cover and set aside. In large skillet, heat oil and add garlic, red pepper, celery, mushrooms and pepper seasoning. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken and broth to skillet. Toss to heat through and serve immediately.

 Multi-Grain Pastas Provide Delicious Ways To Add Whole Grains To Your Diet

Say good-bye to grit. Replacing regular pasta with a whole grain variety no longer means sacrificing great taste. The new generation of multi-grain pastas offers whole grain nutrition with delicious taste and texture.

"Whole grains are critical to a balanced, healthy diet, as evidenced by the FDA's new dietary guidelines," said Lisa Sasson, a clinical assistant professor at New York University's Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health. "The good news is that health-conscious parents have more ways to incorporate grains into their families' diets. Multi-grain pasta, which is versatile and economical, is ideal for consumers who want to prepare quick and nutritious meals that even kids will love."

Containing more than 80 percent whole grains, one serving of the multi-grain pastas from Mueller's, Golden Grain and Heartland provide 100 percent of the USDA daily recommendation of whole grains and are certified by the American Heart Association. in penne, rotini and spaghetti shapes, their subtle toasty and nutty taste complements both white and red sauces. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

Spinach Rotini Salad

12 oz Mueller's, Golden Grain or Heartland Multi Grain Rotini

4 oz fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Italian dressing

3/4 cup tomatoes, diced

4 oz regular or turkey pepperoni, julienned

8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

salt and pepper to taste

Cook rotini per package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain. Combine all remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add pasta and mix well.

Confetti Penne Pasta

12 oz Mueller's, Golden Grain or Heartland Multi Grain Penne

1/3 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp chopped garlic

3/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

2 cups broccoli florets, cut small and cooked

1 lb cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1 cup chicken broth

Cook penne per package directions. Drain, cover and set aside. In large skillet, heat oil and add garlic, red pepper, celery, mushrooms and pepper seasoning. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken and broth to skillet. Toss to heat through and serve immediately.