Eating Healthy with 100% Whole Grain Ronco Pasta & A Chance to Win $250

I am always seeking ways to incorporate healthier food into my family's lifestyle.  A couple of years ago we made the switch to 100% whole grain pasta.  We eat a lot of pasta in the Three Boys and an Old Lady household.  Why you ask?  Pasta is healthy.  Versatile.  Inexpensive.  Quick. 

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Mealtime can be a battle but there are so many ways to sneak in healthy choices which the kids will eat. I'm notorious for blending carrots in my pasta sauce for a vitamin boost.  Pepperoni?  Yes, turkey pepperoni.  Pasta?  Yes, 100% whole grain pasta.  Mealtime is the perfect time to unleash your creative side.

A few years ago, I created a pasta dish using penne and gave my kids free range to top it with whatever they wanted.  Penne for Your Pasta dish is perfect for my youngest who tops their pasta with chicken nuggets ripped into small pieces, middle son tops his off with his a mixture of alfredo and tomato sauces of choice (he tends to be a bit pickier than the others), the older kids can top theirs with fresh tomatoes, pepperoni and tons of cheese, Hubby with steak and capers, while I indulge in a seafood topped dish.  Everyone can have their favorite and no extra work on my behalf.  

A Penne for Your Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 16-oz package Ronco 100% Whole Grain Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon oregano*
• 1 tablespoon basil*
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes*
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*I use fresh oregano and fresh basil but you may use ground spices. 

Toppings: WHATEVER THEY WANT!

Directions:

1. Bring 8 cups of water (with a pinch o’ salt for flavor) to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to directions on package.
2. Drain and return pasta to pot (DO NOT RINSE).
3. In skillet heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil until lightly smoky. Saute garlic until soft. 
4. Stir in oregano and crushed red pepper flakes
5. Stir into penne pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese
6. Let them top with their favorite meat, sauce, cheese or topping of their choice.

I could go on and on about my love of pasta, but I'd rather share a quick pasta recipe I created a few years ago and details on how you could win $250 Visa gift card.  

Be sure to vote for my Penne for Your Pasta recipe and like the Ronco Pasta Facebook page to be entered to win a $250 Visa Gift card.  Voting ends January 31, 2014 and you can vote once per day.  Good luck! 

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Disclosure:  Many thanks to the sponsor for the opportunity to participate in this sweepstakes.  I received a gift card compensation for this post to purchase items necessary to create this recipe.  Visit http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/2010/01/advertisecontact.html for the Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog.