Penne Pasta with Veggies in Tomato Base Recipe
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne Pasta | 2 cups (boiled as per instructions) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed for cooking |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Black Olives | 8, sliced |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| White Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 1/4 teaspoons |
| Red Chili Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Rosemary (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon, crushed |
| Grated Cheese | 6 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Instructions
-
Prep the Veggies
Begin by finely chopping all the vegetables and grating the cheese. Set them aside to prepare for cooking. -
Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft. Follow with the green beans (French beans), bell pepper (capsicum), carrot, and black olives. Continue sautéing the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are about 3/4 done, keeping them tender yet crisp. -
Add the Flour
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to bubble slightly and lose its raw taste. This step will help thicken the sauce later. -
Add Milk and Cook
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep the heat at medium-high and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. As the milk heats up, it will thicken into a creamy sauce-like consistency. -
Tomato Puree and Seasoning
Once the milk has thickened, stir in the homemade tomato puree. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the rawness of the tomato puree cook off. Add salt, white pepper, oregano, red chili flakes, and crushed rosemary (if using). Continue to cook for another 1 minute to infuse the spices into the sauce. -
Combine with Pasta
Add the boiled penne pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato mixture. Stir in half of the grated cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts into the sauce. -
Final Touches
Once the cheese has melted, let the pasta cook in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the pasta and allow it to cook undisturbed for 2 more minutes. This will create a lovely cheesy crust on top. -
Serve
Your cheesy Penne Pasta with Veggies in Tomato Base is now ready to be served! Garnish with a sprinkle of rosemary for an aromatic finish.
Serving Suggestions:
For a complete Italian meal, serve this pasta with a refreshing Watermelon Panzanella Salad and a rich Mocha Panna Cotta for dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Be sure to cook the penne pasta according to package instructions for perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside until needed.
- Milk Substitute: For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk. Just ensure the milk is unsweetened for the best flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach, depending on what’s in season or your preference.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
This Penne Pasta with Veggies in Tomato Base is a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s both creamy and packed with flavorful veggies. The homemade tomato puree adds a fresh, tangy depth to the sauce, while the combination of herbs and spices makes each bite a burst of savory goodness. Plus, with the addition of grated cheese, it turns into a gooey, cheesy delight that both adults and kids will love! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual Italian-themed meal, this recipe is sure to please.
