Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables

Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light summer meal. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese to create a satisfying and flavorful pasta dish.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that often feature fresh vegetables and cheese. The combination of macaroni, tomatoes, and summer vegetables is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
0.5 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 cups cooked whole-wheat macaroni
1 container (8 oz (227 g)) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add broccoli, green pepper, and zucchini and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is just tender.
Stir in macaroni, cheese, tomatoes, and oregano over medium heat until the mixture is completely hot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Try using different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Parmesan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender to ensure they retain their fresh flavor and texture.

- Drain the diced tomatoes well to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the other ingredients helps to develop their flavors and textures. Be sure to cook them until they are just tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large pasta bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil in this recipe provides heart-healthy fats that are essential for overall health. Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

The ricotta cheese in this dish adds a boost of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the ricotta cheese. It may also contain gluten from the macaroni. Please check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light summer meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese, this pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables. It was a hot summer day, and I had just returned home from a trip to the farmers market. The market was overflowing with the freshest, most colorful vegetables I had ever seen. As I unpacked my bags and laid out my bounty on the kitchen counter, I knew I had to come up with a delicious way to showcase these vibrant ingredients.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother work her magic in the kitchen. She was a master at creating simple, comforting dishes that always seemed to bring our family together. I remember the smell of garlic and onions simmering in a pot, the sound of a wooden spoon clinking against the sides as she stirred, and the taste of her homemade tomato sauce that seemed to make everything better.

As I stood in my own kitchen that day, surrounded by the colors and smells of summer, I knew I wanted to create something special. I reached for a box of macaroni and set a pot of water on the stove to boil. As the pasta cooked, I began chopping up a variety of vegetables - ripe tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and fresh basil from my garden. Each vegetable held its own unique aroma and flavor, promising a dish that would be both light and satisfying.

I sautéed the vegetables in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, letting them soften and develop their flavors. The kitchen filled with the scent of roasting vegetables, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched the colors meld together in a beautiful, harmonious dance.

Once the pasta was cooked and the vegetables were tender, I combined them in a large bowl and tossed them with a generous scoop of my grandmother's homemade tomato sauce. The sauce was rich and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness from ripe, juicy tomatoes. It coated the macaroni and vegetables in a vibrant, crimson blanket that promised a burst of flavor in every bite.

I served the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a grating of Parmesan cheese, the perfect finishing touches to a meal that was both simple and elegant. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother's kitchen, to the warmth and love that always seemed to infuse her cooking.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that would bring my family together and create lasting memories for years to come. And as I shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of homemade, comforting food, I knew that my grandmother's legacy would live on in every delicious bite.