Medeterranean Veggie Penne with Herbed Goat Cheese
Recently I received a request to do something with goat cheese. Thus, I decided to try my hand at something that was not only ridiculously tasty (and healthy), but also FAST. This meal can be made in under 30 minutes!
Lately I've veered away from my nutritional talks. Not today, because you're about to get one! School is in session. Don't worry, there's not a quiz at the end! Let's talk about the health benefits of goat cheese.
Goat cheese is:
1) low in calories
2) low in sodium
3) good for those who are lactose intolerant
4) low in fat and cholesterol
5) full of vitamins D, K, B riboflavin, phosphorous, thiamine, and niacin
6) contains protein.
Alright, that's enough tomfoolery for one post. Let's get cookin'!
Ingredients
1/2 cup whole wheat penne pasta
1 small red bell pepper (or a bunch of small sweet peppers), seeded & cut into bite-size chunks
1 small zucchini, cut into bit size slices
1/4 cup of canned artichoke hearts, chopped
12 cherry/grape tomatoes
1 tsp olive oil
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
1 oz herbed goat cheese (I used Silver Goat brand)
2 tsp italian seasoning
for the dressing:
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic
1 tsp torn fresh basil
Method
1. Put a pot of water on to boil and preheat the broiler to high. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Cut up all veggies. Arrange the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and italian seasoning. Toss with hands. You can use a spoon, but it's not as fun. Season with salt & pepper, to taste.
3. Broil for 5-10 minutes, stir/turn pieces over, and continue to broil for another 5-10 minutes* (time will depend on how tender and much color you like on your veggies)
4. When penne is cooked, drain well. In a mixing bowl beat together the dressing ingredients. Stir in pasta.
5. Add veggies to mixing bowl with pasta and dressing.
6. Crumble in goat cheese, and gently mix.
7. Garnish with basil and serve.
Need meat?? This dish is fantastic with a sliced grilled chicken breast, or some variety of sausage!
Other tasty veggies to try: olives, asparagus, squash, mushrooms
Makes 1 large serving! Feeding a crowd? Just double, triple, etc the portion :)
Other Information
WW 7pt+
Legal
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Goat Cheese?
Recipe inspired from Eat Smart, Lose Weight (Parragon Publishing Book, 2005), pg. 74.
Photos are mine, so don't be a thief.
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