Hunger Task Force shares healthy pasta ideas for National Pasta Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- National Pasta Day is Friday, Oct. 17 and Hunger Task Force is encouraging Milwaukee to celebrate with nutritious, affordable meals. Leah Kostos, Community Nutrition Educator at Hunger Task Force, joined us on Wednesday, Oct. 15 to talk about two easy recipes: Creamy Vegetable Mac & Cheese and Chili Mac.

Chili Mac

• Ingredients: 1 cup whole grain elbow pasta, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 12 oz canned beef (drained), 15.5 oz low sodium canned pinto beans, 15.2 oz low sodium canned corn (drained), 14.5 oz low sodium crushed tomatoes, 1 Tbsp each of cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Instructions: Wash hands. Cook pasta, drain, and rinse. In the same pot, combine beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices; cook about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in noodles. Serve hot or cold. For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add black or kidney beans.

Creamy Vegetable Mac & Cheese

• Ingredients: 1½ cups whole wheat pasta, 2 Tbsp nonfat dry milk powder (or 1 cup UHT milk), 1 cup water if using dry milk, 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup cooked mixed vegetables, 1 Tbsp butter (optional), 1 tsp garlic or onion powder (optional), salt and pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Cook pasta and drain. In a saucepan, combine milk and water (if using dry milk). Heat gently, stir in cheese until smooth, add butter if desired, then mix in vegetables and pasta. Season and serve warm.

Both dishes are designed to promote balance, using whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-rich vegetables.