Whole Wheat Penne With Stir-Fry Veggies & Basic White sauce

It is medically and scientifically proven fact that whole wheat bread is better over regular one. I used to be a big skeptic when it came to whole wheat pasta- it does not taste that good, but things have really improved these days. I recently bought some whole wheat penne, and it tastes really delicious and nutty. The texture has improved as well it becomes soft, just like regular pasta.

Health benefits with good taste is the main reason for my inclination towards whole wheat pasta. 

Whole wheat - A wheat grain is said to be whole wheat when the entire wheat grain is retained without any parts removed in refining and other processes. Most of the healthy components and proteins are removed through this refining processes. Since the entire wheat is retained in the case of whole wheat pasta, the fiber in the wheat grains are kept intact. This helps in supplying the fiber needed for your body and maintaining good health.(source) 

2 tablespoon unsalted Butter
2 tablespoon All Purpose Flour
1 cup Milk
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese(optional)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta and cook to al dente. Drain and reserve 2 ladles of pasta water.
While water is coming up to a boil and pasta cooks, stir-fry the vegetables - Heat a deep skillet over medium heat with extra-virgin olive oil. Add garlic and cook 2-3 minutes, add onions and saute for another 2-3 minutes. Add all the vegetables, except tomato, and stir fry for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add the tomatoes, salt, and paprika powder and lower the heat.
Meanwhile prepare the White Sauce - In a small, heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Blend 2 tablespoons of flour into the melted butter. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes. (Cooking for this length of time will minimize 'flour' taste). Slowly add 1 cup of milk and Parmesan Cheese, stirring constantly. Continue cooking slowly until smooth and thickened. The sauce is ready.
Add Pasta to the vegetables. Drizzle with EVOO. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the white sauce and 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Mix well and toss to combine, taste and re-season with some salt and pepper. Serve hot.