Pasta Primavera

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
SERVES: 4

3/4 lb linguine, preferably whole-wheat
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1/2 lb thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 large carrot, peeled and ribboned (use a peeler to create long, thin strips)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded basil

PER SERVING: 480 calories, 11 g fat (3 g saturated), 610 mg sodium, 10 mg cholesterol

Ideas for picky eaters: If your kid won't go for all the elements tossed together, put aside some cherry tomatoes (quartered) for her to munch on, then serve the pasta noodles with a little butter or olive oil and parmesan.