When you think of Italian food, you probably think about pasta, right? Spaghetti, penne, angel hair, elbows, farfalle and rotini all make a great family meal– with Barilla PLUS® you not only get a flavorful meal, but one that is also good for you. Barilla PLUS provides balanced nutrition, because it is a good source of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Barilla PLUS pasta is made with egg whites, chickpeas, lentils, flaxseed, and multi grains, so it gets its protein, fiber, and omega-3 naturally. Your family won’t even notice the difference when you switch out your old pasta with Barilla PLUS, but parents will know that they are providing their family with the nutrition they deserve.

Be sure to catch me on Lifetime’s The Balancing Act, and to make a delicious and nutritious Italian meal, pick up some Barilla PLUS pasta and try one of these delicious recipes:

Barilla PLUS Farfalle with Three Peppers

• 1 box Barilla PLUS Farfalle
• 4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 julienned yellow bell pepper
• 1 julienned red bell pepper
• 1 julienned green bell pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
• ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Sweat onions with oil over medium heat for five minutes or until soft and translucent.

Add peppers, one cup of water, salt and pepper and cover with a lid.

Cook until the peppers are soft and thoroughly cooked.

Cook pasta, toss with the sauce.

Toss with cheese and oregano before serving.

Barilla PLUS Penne with Spring Vegetables

• 1 box Barilla PLUS Penne
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 1 clove chopped garlic
• 1 bunch asparagus, sliced on a bias
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes , quartered
• 1 zucchini squash, diced
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 6 leaves of basil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onions, sauté 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Add asparagus and continue 3 additional minutes.

Add tomatoes and zucchini; sauté an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain pasta and toss with sauce and fresh cut basil.

Healthy meals don’t have to compromise on taste! You can make delicious Italian cuisine that provides your family with balanced nutrition with the help of Barilla PLUS pasta. For more information, and mouth-watering recipes, go to BarillaUS.com.