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January 2025

Delicious & Nutritious: Using Canned Pumpkin Puree for a Family-Friendly Pasta Sauce

2025-03-11T13:47:17+00:00January 17th, 2025|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , |

If you have little ones, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make quick meals that are both delicious and nutritious. If you’re part of the WIC program, you know that making the most of the healthy foods available is key to feeding your family well. One ingredient that might not always be top of mind but is packed with nutrients and versatility is canned pumpkin puree. It’s full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a great way to introduce a new flavor to your family’s meals while also sneaking in some extra veggies!

Why Pumpkin Puree?

Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies and lattes! Canned pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which support immune health, vision, and skin health. It’s also rich in fiber, which is great for digestion and helps keep little tummies feeling full longer. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to use in a variety of dishes, and it’s something you can stock up on thanks to WIC benefits.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe is simple to make and a perfect way to introduce your little ones to the flavors of autumn all year round. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and savory, and it pairs perfectly with any type of pasta!

A Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

1 can (15 oz) of canned pumpkin puree

1 cup of low-fat milk 

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape)

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pumpkin will start to soften and blend with the garlic. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to combine it with the pumpkin. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the seasonings and stir everything together, and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

Once your sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If you like your pasta saucier, add a bit more milk or pasta water to adjust the texture.

Plate the pasta, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately. You can also add a side of veggies or a simple salad to complete the meal.

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is an excellent way to introduce your family to the wonders of pumpkin, and it’s an easy meal that you can feel good about serving.

Visit Grocery Services North for easy WIC grocery shopping, and pick up a few cans of pumpkin puree and give this simple recipe a try. Your kids will love it.

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September 2023

Thai Pasta Salad

2023-09-15T20:12:18+00:00September 4th, 2023|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

Get ready to impress everyone with your cooking skills with this amazing Thai Pasta Salad! It’s bursting with colors and flavors that will make your taste buds explode. Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up your WIC-foods in a delicious and nutritious way. Don’t wait any longer, give it a try tonight and surprise your family with a mouthwatering meal!

THAI PASTA SALAD

1 box of whole wheat pasta

1 cup diced red cabbage

1 cup diced cucumber

½ cup shredded carrots

⅓ cup diced green onion

Sauce:

½ cup peanut butter

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

½ cup water

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain and set aside to cool. While the pasta is cooking and cooling, chop your veggies and make the sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add all of the pasta, veggies, and sauce together in a large bowl and toss together. This recipe makes about 6 servings.

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January 2023

WIC Inspired Recipe

2023-01-11T18:19:59+00:00January 9th, 2023|Categories: Grocery Services North, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Use WIC-Approved Pasta to Make This Comforting Meal

This recipe features WIC-approved pasta, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It’s creamy and cheesy…the kids might not even notice the vegetables! Plus, it makes a big batch so you can cook and eat more than once.

Lemon Alfredo Bowties with Tuna & Peas

1 lb whole wheat pasta

1 cup frozen peas

2 cans tuna

Juice from ½ lemon 

(Add lemon zest to bring out more lemon flavor)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 ½ cups whole milk

½ stick butter

1 ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese 

(Mozzarella works great too – Just be sure not to use pre-shredded cheese!)

¼ cup flour

Season with pepper, onion powder, & oregano to your taste

Boil pasta with 1 tablespoon of salt for 10-12 minutes, or suggested cook time on package. 

Drain & set aside. In the same pot, heat olive oil at medium high heat and add minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden. Add tuna and break up into smaller pieces. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, cook for 3 minutes, then add butter and half of the shredded cheese. Slowly add in milk and flour, while stirring well. Turn the heat down to medium and bring to a simmer while stirring often. Add in peas, and the other half of the shredded cheese. Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring often, then turn off the heat. Slowly mix in the pasta. 

Top with more shredded cheese if you like! Enjoy!

Get all your WIC-approved pasta and other WIC foods at Grocery Services North stores. It’s easy, fast and you can get all your WIC foods in one easy stop. Visit today to see for yourself.

Looking for more WIC-inspired recipes? Check out our blog. 

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September 2022

Quick, Easy Family Meal Features Whole Grains

2023-01-11T18:28:45+00:00September 22nd, 2022|Categories: Meal Planning, Pregnancy, Recipes, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Whole grains are a great source of nutrition. Texas WIC features several approved-foods that offer whole grains. This recipe for Pasta with Peas from the “staff favorites” from the Whole Grain Council is a super easy, quick meal that can be made in 15 minutes for the entire family. Find more recipes like this one on their website.

Pasta with Peas

2 eggs, beaten

½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 cup frozen peas

12 ounces whole wheat pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and break linguini in half and cook according to package directions. 

While the pasta is cooking, combine the eggs and cheese in a small bowl, beat, and set aside. Put peas in a strainer, rinse under hot water, and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté for several minutes, until it softens. Add the peas to the skillet and cook for about one minute longer.

Drain the pasta and add to the skillet. Toss gently to mix. Create a well in the center, add the eggs and cheese, and cook until they are starting to firm up. Toss with the pasta and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

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