Whole Wheat Pasta Bowl (Print Version)

Nutty whole wheat pasta with roasted vegetables and creamy protein sauce for a satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 oz whole wheat penne or fusilli

→ Roasted Vegetables

02 - 1 small zucchini, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
05 - 1 red onion, sliced
06 - 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Protein Sauce

10 - 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
11 - ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
16 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
02 - Arrange zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through cooking.
04 - Cook whole wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
05 - Blend cannellini beans, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Parmesan if using, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
06 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Add roasted vegetables and protein sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
07 - Divide pasta mixture between bowls. Top with toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • High-fiber whole wheat pasta provides a nutty flavor and lasting energy.
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers offer a caramelized sweetness.
  • The creamy sauce is made from cannellini beans and Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
02 -
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Always reserve some pasta water before draining to help the sauce emulsify with the pasta.
  • Rinse the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preserve the sauce's flavor.
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