the goods:
1 box Whole-Grain Penne Pasta (we used Barilla Whole Grain Penne)
1 24oz. or 26oz. jar of spaghetti sauce (we used Tuttorosso Tomato & Basil Sauce)
1 16oz. can of dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 16oz. can of light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 14.5oz. can Hunt's Natural Diced Tomatoes No Salt Added, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
the process:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 2.5 quart casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. Cook pasta according to directions on box. Drain and add to casserole dish.
3. Add beans, spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil and garlic power.
4. Toss mixture together until pasta is well coated and ingredients are mixed well.
5. Top mixture with mozzarella cheese.
6. Drizzle olive oil over top of cheese and sprinkle basil over cheese.
7. Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
8. Enjoy!
the result:
8-10 servings
the benefits:
Whole Grain Pasta is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body's use of glucose and insulin secretion. Whole grains can also can help women avoid gallstones and can help to protect against breast cancer. Studies show that Increasing consumption of whole grains could reduce the risk of childhood asthma by about 50%.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, which helps prevent cancer and heart disease. Lycopene, when served with olive oil (as in this recipe), has been shown to fight breast, pancreatic and intestinal cancers. Tomatoes have been shown to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and contain bone-strengthening vitamin K.
Kidney Beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, as are most beans. In addition to lowering cholesterol, kidney beans' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains, as in this recipe, kidney beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. Kidney beans are an excellent source of iron and magnesium. Because of their wonderful source of protein, they are an ideal bean to include in your meals if you are not eating meat.
Garlic powder has all the benefits of whole garlic because it is a powdered version of whole garlic, according to the Mayo Clinic. Garlic powder and whole garlic have been shown to strengthen the immune system and help fight cancer. Also, garlic powder and raw garlic have a blood-thinning benefit -- which can help people who suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease.
Basil is a great source of vitamin A (and beta carotene), which can help to lessen the progression of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The magnesium in basil helps to promote cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood flow through blood vessels. Basil is also a great source of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin C.
the brands (used in this recipe):
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