Creamy (but Healthy) Pasta Casserole

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

Who doesn’t want some “comfort food” after a hard day of working and exercising? Trouble is, most traditional comfort foods tend to be full of unhealthy fats and refined carbs. This delicious casserole is a departure from that: Not only is it quick to prepare, but it is made with healthy soy products. (Don’t worry: your kids will never need to know that!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13- by 9-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta according to package directions, but add green beans during last 3 minutes of cooking. Strain mixture and place in large bowl. Stir in ham and green onions.

Bring soymilk and soy margarine to a boil in medium pan. Carefully pour hot liquid into blender. Add soy Parmesan cheese, flour and pepper. Cover and purée 15 seconds, or until creamy and smooth. Pour cheese sauce over pasta mixture and toss until blended. Place in greased baking dish. Top with diced tomatoes. In small bowl, mix soy Cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. Sprinkle mixture over tomatoes. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, until sauce is hot and bubbling. Makes six servings.

Per Serving: 550 calories; 20 grams (g) fat; 30 g protein; 65 g carbs; 8 g fiber; 15 milligrams (mg) cholesterol; 1,100 mg sodium. n

Source: United Soybean Board.

Diane Lofshult is a senior editor of IDEA Fitness Journal.