Pasta has always played an important role in my family’s pantry; it appeased the picky eater going through the “I just want it plain” phase and now provides a versatile base for quick meals incorporating meats and vegetables that give my kids the additional nutrients they need.
But given the fact that less than 60 percent of children age three to five get enough calcium and three out of four pre-school age children do not get enough fiber, I turned to whole grain pasta in an attempt to include more nutrients into my family’s diet. I didn’t mind the nuttier taste and brown look of the pasta, however the rest of my family disapproved.
Since it looks and tastes like traditional pasta, Ronzoni Smart Taste proves a great solution, combining the nutritional benefits you want as a Mom with the great taste your kids love—plain or not. And with three times the fiber of regular white pasta and the same amount of calcium as an eight-ounce glass of milk, Ronzoni Smart Taste provides the Vitamin D and fiber my family needs. Which means we can keep eating the foods we love, and I don’t have to feel guilty about dishing out noodles a few times a week.
Ronzoni Smart Taste offers some great recipes on their website, demonstrating all the ways you can get creative with pasta. Take a look at this dish that my family and I loved, ideal for the more adventurous eaters in your family!
Rotini with Eggplant, Tomatoes and Ricotta
Ingredients:
1 pkg. Rotini
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 baby eggplant, diced
1/3 cup prepared vegetable or chicken stock
1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes
3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Crumbled ricotta or feta cheese
Cook pasta according to package directions. In large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add eggplant and sauté 2 to 3 minutes longer. Stir in stock and cook until eggplant is tender. Stir in tomatoes and simmer until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss cooked pasta with eggplant mixture and basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve topped with cheese.
Mom Central wrote this post in conjunction with a blog tour campaign on behalf of Ronzoni