Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato & Walnuts

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
3-4  cloves pressed garlic (through a garlic press) or minced
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
3/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons grated or shaved Parmesan cheese

Optional: For a main dish, add 4 ounces cooked chicken breast, cut into short strips (not included in nutrient analysis).

 

Nutrition

Calories/Serving: 220

One side-dish serving (without chicken), provides approximately:  7 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber,11 g fat (2.5 g saturated),  5 mg cholesterol, 11 mcg  folate, 280 mg sodium.

Source: Wheat Foods Council

penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil.

Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions. When draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.

Put the sun-dried tomatoes in the reserved water to plump. (drain well when you are ready to add them to the mixture).

Toast the walnuts under the broiler until slightly browned. Be sure to watch closely as they can burn quickly.

Put the pressed garlic in a large bowl.

Add the walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, basil, salt, and cheeses. Add the pasta and toss all ingredients until pasta is well-coated.

Pour onto a platter and serve warm.

 

Serves 8 as a side dish; 6 as a main dish