Pasta
Artistic Illustration
Pasta is a versatile grain-based dish made from durum wheat and water, typically cooked by boiling. It provides a hearty source of carbohydrates, making it an excellent energy source.
Healthy Heart Food dieticians thoughtfully include pasta alongside MIXED VEGETABLES, GREEN BEANS, JELLY, Sweet Potatoes, and Broccoli to create balanced meals.
This food item is served in various meal programs across NYC, including school meals, senior nutrition, shelter feeding, and catering.
Popular Home Recipes for Pasta
Example recipe — not from the Healthy Heart kitchen. This is a popular home-style version of Pasta shown for general reference. It does not reflect the ingredients, preparation, or allergens in meals prepared by Healthy Heart Food Service.
This comforting pasta dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- •8 oz penne pasta
- •1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- •2 tbsp olive oil
- •1 tsp Italian seasoning
- •1 cup heavy cream
- •1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- •2 cups baby spinach
- •1 tsp salt
- •1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 2Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- 3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- 4Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer; stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- 6Add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the sauce, cooking until spinach is wilted.
- 7Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
- 8Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Chef Tips
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Example home recipe for reference only — not used by Healthy Heart Food Service. For ingredient and allergen information about meals we serve, contact us.
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Similar Grains/Bread Items
Referenced By
Other items that mention Pasta in their descriptions.
About This Item
This menu item is part of meal programs operated by Healthy Heart Food Service, serving schools, childcare centers, senior programs, shelters, and catering clients across New York City, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Nutrition information is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central database and reviewed by our registered dietician. Actual values may vary based on preparation methods and serving size. For questions about our meal programs, contact us.