PASTA PRIMAVERA – Pasta with Fresh Vegetables and Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) fusilli (Pasta)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 shallots, diced; or 1 cup onion, diced
pinch of red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced very thin
4 medium-size zucchini, diced
1 lb. Fresh plum tomatoes, peeled and diced; or 2 cups Italian canned tomatoes with juice, crushed
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
8 basil leaves, chopped
½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano or Romano cheese, freshly grated
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water, add the pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While you are waiting for the water to boil and the pasta to cook, begin the next steps.
Prepare the broccoli. Trim the ends and remove any tough stems and wilted leaves. Cut the top portion into flowerets. If the skin on the lower part of the stalks seems fibrous, peel with a vegetable peeler. Discard any tough pieces. Cut into 3-inch pieces. Soak in cold water for a few minutes and transfer from one bowl of water to another a few times. Remove from the water and let drain.
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the garlic, shallots (or onions), red pepper flakes, broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini for 5 minutes with the lid on. Add the tomatoes, parsley and 4 chopped basil leaves and cook for 5 more minutes (uncovered).
Add the fussili (pasta), and toss to coat with the vegetable sauce thoroughly. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano Reggiano or Romano cheese. Add the remaining 4 chopped basil leaves and serve immediately.
Serves 4
Preparation and Cooking Time: 15 minutes
about the author: Rosemary Gullo
Rosemary is the author of Healthy Italian Cooking.
Healthy Italian Cooking is packed with dozens of tasty recipes and is Easy to Use. Each section takes you step by step through a new meal for your family. It is full of tips, tricks and secrets that will not only show you how to cook healthy Italian food, but will also cut down on cooking time and make dinner preparation simple.
Please leave your comments below … I would love to hear your feedbback:
Review this Recipe. Share your own Recipe.
Comments