Recipe for Relief

Lower your stress with whole-grain comfort food

Whole-grain pasta is a great comfort food that can help you de-stress in no time. Generally lower in calories than regular pasta, it supplies needed vitamins and minerals as well as fiber that keeps the digestive system working efficiently.

This easy-to-make dish is full of complex carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables and a splash of healthy fat. The recipe comes courtesy of registered dietitian Elizabeth Pash Penniman MS, RD, LD, Manager of Nutrition Therapy, Center for Human Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute.

Whole-Grain Comfort

8 ounces dry whole-wheat penne pasta
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup zucchini
1 cup roasted red peppers
1 cup yellow squash
1/4 cup fresh basil
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

In a large non-stick skillet, sauté zucchini, peppers, squash and minced garlic in olive oil until soft, about 6 minutes. Add cooked pasta as prepared per package, along with pepper and basil. Simmer 3 minutes.

Serves 4

Estimated nutrient value per serving:

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 10 g

To make an online gift supporting the Digestive Disease Institute or any area of Cleveland Clinic, visit our secure giving site or call Institutional Relations and Development at 216.444.1245 or toll-free at 800.223.2273, ext. 41245.

Related Links