Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom Stroganoff

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
2 1⁄2 cups chopped onion (2 1/2 medium onions)
4 cups sliced mushrooms (16 to 20 medium fresh button mushrooms)
3⁄4 cup water
1 teaspoon bouillon (1 cube) - vegetable, beef or chicken
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon corn starch
3 Tablespoons light sour cream
3 cups cooked whole grain noodles or brown rice

Directions

1. Heat the margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and mushrooms. Sauté and stir until starting to brown.
2. In a small bowl, mix water, bouillon, garlic powder and cornstarch. Add to skillet and cook until sauce is thickened.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream.
4. Serve with cooked whole grain noodles or brown rice. Garnish with paprika and chopped parsley if desired.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Turkey Stroganoff

Turkey Stroganoff

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cooked turkey, 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups water
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
2 cups dry macaroni
2 teaspoons dill weed
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup corn flakes
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
1⁄2 cup nonfat sour cream

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) and saute onions until transparent.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly, about 30 seconds.
3. Add turkey, water, milk, soup, and peas; bring to a boil.
4. Add macaroni, dill, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Cover pan, reduce heat to low (225 degrees in an electric skillet) and cook 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. While mixture is cooking, crush corn flakes in small bowl, mix in garlic powder and set aside.
7. Just before serving, stir in sour cream and top with corn flake mixture.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Pasta Ratatouille

Pasta Ratatouille

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta (try rotini, penne or bow tie noodles)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup chopped onion (1⁄2 medium onion)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, cubed
1 small eggplant, cubed
2 medium tomatoes, cubed
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup shredded cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
3. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. Cook about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes, salt, pepper and basil. Cook another 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve over pasta and top with cheese.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Quick Lasagna

Quick Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups spaghetti sauce
4 Tablespoons fresh parsley, or 4 teaspoons dried
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 pint (2 cups) low-fat cottage cheese
2⁄3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1⁄3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook ground beef over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until it is no longer pink.
2. Drain fat, add onion, and cook until onion is clear.
3. Add garlic, 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce, and herbs; spread evenly in skillet.
4. Reduce heat to low (200 degrees in an electric skillet), spread cottage cheese over mixture, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Top with 4 noodles, breaking remaining 2 to fill in open spaces.
5. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the top of noodles; gently press noodles down to moisten.
6. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until noodles are tender. Top with remaining cheeses, cover, and simmer 2 more minutes or until cheeses are melted.
7. Let stand, covered, 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (try penne)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
10 ounces frozen spinach
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low (250 degrees in an electric skillet) until soft.
3. Add spinach, tomatoes with juice, drained beans, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture bubbles, cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.
4. Add drained pasta and parmesan to spinach mixture. Toss well and serve.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute cleaned and chopped fresh spinach (about 6 cups).
• Try other greens, such as Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach. Be sure to clean greens well and cook them until soft.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large carrot, sliced
2 Tablespoons oil
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) chopped tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounce each or 3 1/2 cups) low sodium vegetable or beef broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄2 cup uncooked macaroni
2 small zucchini, sliced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a 5 quart saucepan over medium heat, cook onion, celery and carrot in oil, stirring constantly until onion is soft, but not browned.
2. Add potato, tomatoes, broth, beans and basil.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add macaroni and zucchini. Cook another 15 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use any vegetables you have on hand.
• Add cooked meat if desired.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Italian Veggie Soup

Italian Veggie Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground meat (15% fat) (turkey, chicken or beef)
1 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced or diced carrots
1 1⁄2 cups sliced or chopped cabbage
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato pieces with liquid
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ouncse) cut green beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup whole kernel corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
2 cups water
3 teaspoons or 3 cubes low sodium beef, chicken or vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaf
1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaf
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup small macaroni (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any fat. Add to soup pan.
2. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until limp but not brown. Add to soup pan.
3. Add all the remaining Ingredients to soup pan.
4. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Cheesy Beef Pasta

Cheesy Beef Pasta

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small zucchini, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) tomato based pasta sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces rotini pasta (about 4 cups)
2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, garlic and zucchini over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until meat is browned and broken into pieces. Drain any fat.
2. Add the pasta sauce, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Bring to a simmer and cook on medium low (275 degrees in an electric skillet) for 15 minutes.
3. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package Directions.
4. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce in the skillet. Stir in the cheese and cover until the cheese is melted.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute broccoli for zucchini. Cook fresh broccoli with the pasta in step 3 or add frozen broccoli in step 2.

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound ground beef
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1⁄2 cups spaghetti or pasta sauce (26 to 28 ounce container)
1 cup water
8 ounces wide noodles
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed (10 ounce)
1 package lowfat cottage cheese (12 ounces or 2 cups)
1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

Directions

1. Stir ground beef, onion, and garlic together in a large skillet over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) until meat is browned.
2. Add spaghetti sauce and water to skillet and bring to a boil.
3. Add uncooked noodles, stir, cover with lid, reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Squeeze the thawed spinach to remove the juice then stir into the noodle mixture. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Spoon cottage cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cover and heat another 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and noodles are tender.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add fresh or canned (drained) sliced mushrooms.
• Use whole wheat pasta instead to increase fiber and make this a whole grain meal.
• Try pasta in a different shape.

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds) cut in 1" cubes
2 teaspoons oil
1 1⁄2 cups or more chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
1 can (10.5 ounces) low sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups small shell pasta, uncooked
1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add broccoli, broth, soup, pepper, garlic and pasta. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Check near the end of cooking and add a small amount of water, if needed.
6. Add cheese during last two minutes.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try whole wheat pasta when available

Indian Lentils and Pasta

Indian Lentils and Pasta

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups water
2 cloves garlic finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup dry lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1⁄2 cup orzo or tiny pasta
1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and garlic and cook 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Stir in water, diced tomatoes with juice, lentils, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
3. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low (250 degrees in an electric skillet). Simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Add pasta and cook uncovered until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve warm.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve topped with light sour cream or plain non-fat yogurt.

One Pan Spaghetti

One Pan Spaghetti

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 1⁄2 cups water
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves
1⁄2 teaspoon rosemary
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (12 ounces) broken spaghetti
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Brown meat and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
2. Stir in water, tomato sauce, and spices. Bring to a boil.
3. Add spaghetti, cover pan, and simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
4. When spaghetti is tender, top with grated cheese.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try ground turkey or small cooked shrimp for the meat.
• Try whole-wheat pasta to increase fiber.
• Use cheddar cheese in place of parmesan

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 large chicken breast, cubed (about one cup)
2 Tablespoons oil
2 Tablespoons flour
1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth
1 3⁄4 cups nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
3 cups dry penne pasta
2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken in oil.
2. Add flour, broth, milk, spices and pasta to skillet and stir well.
3. Bring to a boil; cover; reduce heat; simmer until pasta is almost tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add broccoli, cover, and cook until broccoli is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 shells
Serving Size 2 shells

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells (1/2 of 12 ounce package)
1 1⁄4 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
3⁄4 cup pumpkin puree
1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1⁄4 teaspoon ground sage
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup pasta sauce

Directions

1. Cook pasta shells according to package Directions. Drain, separate onto baking sheet and let cool.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, pumpkin, Parmesan, and spices. Reserve 1 Tablespoon Parmesan for topping.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Choose a baking dish that holds all the shells in a single layer.
4. Spread pasta sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each shell with about 3 Tablespoons of pumpkin mixture, and place shells close together on sauce in baking dish.
5. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 15 minutes more.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze unused pumpkin puree and add to soup, chili or pancake recipes

Tomato Pasta Salad

Tomato Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rotini noodles
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped broccoli
1⁄4 cup sliced black olives
2 teaspoons dry Italian herbs
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces low-fat Italian salad dressing (about 1 cup)

Directions

1. Combine the cooked noodles, tomatoes, broccoli and black olives together in a bowl.
2. Add the herbs, cheese and salad dressing. Stir together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked whole wheat pasta
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup peeled and diced cucumber
1 cup sliced summer squash
3⁄4 cup Italian salad dressing

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water. Place in large bowl.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any colorful vegetables you have on hand. Try carrots, cherry tomatoes, green onions or frozen peas.
• Flavor boosters: 1 cup diced, cooked chicken or ham; 1 cup garbanzo beans.

Spinach Pasta Salad

Spinach Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (try whole wheat shells, bow ties, macaroni or other small shapes)
4 cups spinach
1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

DRESSING
2 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄8 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar and vegetable oil.
2. Add cooked pasta, spinach, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, mandarin oranges and cilantro or parsley, if desired. Mix well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try a low fat Asian Salad Dressing from the store to replace the dressing ingredients.

Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce

Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced or crushed tomatoes
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. (If using garlic powder, omit oil and skip this step).
2. Add tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, if desired. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. For a thicker sauce, cook an extra 10 to 20 minutes to allow more of the liquid to evaporate.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

2 cups macaroni, uncooked
2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna or salmon in water
1⁄2 cup chopped zucchini (about 1/3 small zucchini)
1⁄4 cup sliced carrots (about 1 carrot)
1⁄3 cup diced onion
1⁄4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain the cooking liquid and cool.
2. Drain tuna or salmon.
3. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try whole wheat pasta to include whole grains.

Skillet Mac and Cheese

Skillet Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 1⁄2 cups uncooked macaroni
1 teaspoon butter or margarine
2 Tablespoons flour
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1⁄4 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 1⁄4 cups (5 ounces) grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a 10-inch non-stick skillet or pan bring water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and butter or margarine. Stir a few times to prevent sticking.
3. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes. (Do not drain the water)
4. Meanwhile, mix flour, salt and mustard in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of milk and stir until smooth. Add remaining milk. Set aside.
5. Take the lid off the skillet and cook macaroni until most of the water is gone.
6. Stir and add milk mixture and cheese. Mix well. Cook and stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly and thick.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add your favorite fresh or frozen vegetables in step 2. Try onions, celery, carrots, zucchini or others.
• Add your favorite seasonings in step 4 to add variety. Try oregano, garlic powder, chili powder or others.
• Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a different flavor!