Penne with Spring Vegetables Recipe - A Fresh and Flavorful Italian Dish

Penne with Spring Vegetables

Penne with Spring Vegetables Recipe - A Fresh and Flavorful Italian Dish
Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Penne with Spring Vegetables
Penne with Spring Vegetables

Penne with Spring Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that is perfect for the spring season. This recipe combines fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, yellow squash, and basil with penne pasta for a light and flavorful meal.

History

This recipe is inspired by the abundance of fresh spring vegetables that are available during the spring season. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season in a simple and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Add asparagus and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomatoes and squash, and cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Add the broth, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it. Toss the pasta with the vegetable mixture and basil, then serve.

Variations

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
  • Substitute zucchini for the yellow squash for a different flavor profile.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne with Spring Vegetables with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.

- Toss the pasta with the vegetable mixture and basil just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat the vegetables and toss with cooked pasta before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Penne with Spring Vegetables pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

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 Penne with Spring Vegetables contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, with the pasta providing a healthy dose of energy to fuel your day.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Proteins

While this recipe is not high in protein, you can easily add protein by including grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Vitamins and minerals

Penne with Spring Vegetables is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat from the pasta and may contain allergens such as garlic and onion.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a healthy and balanced meal that is perfect for a light and satisfying dinner.

Summary

Penne with Spring Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that is perfect for the spring season. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this recipe is a light and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Penne with Spring Vegetables. It was a warm, sunny afternoon in the countryside where I grew up. As a young girl, I loved spending time in the kitchen with my mother, watching her cook and learning her secrets. One day, she invited a family friend over for lunch, a lovely Italian woman who brought with her a recipe that would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

As soon as she entered the kitchen, the scent of fresh herbs and vegetables filled the air. She greeted us with a warm smile and a big hug, and immediately got to work preparing the dish. I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped the spring vegetables – asparagus, peas, and cherry tomatoes – and sautéed them in a pan with garlic and olive oil. The colors and aromas were mesmerizing, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As the vegetables cooked, she boiled a pot of water and added the penne pasta, cooking it until al dente. Once the pasta was ready, she combined it with the vegetables in the pan, tossing everything together with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The dish was simple yet elegant, a celebration of the season's bounty.

We sat down at the table and dug into our plates, savoring each bite of the delicious Penne with Spring Vegetables. The flavors were bright and fresh, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the cheese added a rich, creamy finish. It was a meal that tasted like spring itself – light, vibrant, and full of life.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I asked our guest for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, explaining each step in detail. I took notes diligently, making sure to capture every nuance and flavor profile.

From that day on, Penne with Spring Vegetables became a regular feature on our family's dinner table. I would make it for special occasions, for Sunday dinners, or simply when I wanted to evoke the feeling of springtime in my kitchen. Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there.

I have shared this recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each time I make Penne with Spring Vegetables, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in the countryside, watching and learning from a masterful cook.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing this dish for my own family, I can't help but feel grateful for all the culinary knowledge and inspiration that has been passed down to me. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions – it's about creating memories, forging connections, and celebrating the flavors of life.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, surrounded by the sights and smells of the season, remember to savor each moment and each ingredient. And who knows, you may just discover a new favorite recipe that will become a part of your own culinary journey.

Categories

| Asparagus Recipes | Cherry Tomato Recipes | Italian Recipes | Pasta Salad Recipes | Penne Recipes | Zucchini Recipes |

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