Veggie Penne Pasta Recipe in Creamy Roasted Carrot Sauce
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Veggie Penne Pasta, a dish that artfully combines the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables with a luxuriously creamy roasted carrot sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner, this Italian-inspired recipe is not only vegetarian but also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful choice for families, especially for kids who will love the comforting flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Del Monte Penne Rigate Pasta | 300 grams |
| Basil leaves (for garnish) | 3 sprigs |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, chopped |
| Red bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Yellow bell pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, chopped |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | For cooking |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
To begin making the Veggie Penne Pasta in Creamy Roasted Carrot Sauce, we will first prepare the pasta, allowing it to be perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the delicious sauce.
Cooking the Pasta:
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Boil the Pasta: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the Del Monte Penne Rigate Pasta along with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta reaches an al dente texture, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
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Drain and Cool: Once cooked, strain the pasta using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water and drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.
Preparing the Creamy Roasted Carrot Sauce:
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
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Add and Roast the Veggies: Next, introduce the chopped carrots, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the pan. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and tender, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
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Blend into a Smooth Paste: Once the vegetables are cooked, allow them to cool slightly, then transfer to a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding a bit of water if necessary to facilitate blending.
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Make the Sauce: Return the blended vegetable mixture to the saucepan. Add the milk and whisk well to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Combine: Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the creamy vegetable sauce, ensuring that every piece of pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Final Touches:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes.
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Prepare for Baking: Transfer the coated pasta into a greased ceramic baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve your Veggie Penne Pasta in Creamy Roasted Carrot Sauce alongside a light and healthy spinach soup for a delightful meal that balances flavors and textures perfectly, making it an enjoyable dining experience for everyone, especially the little ones!
Tips for Serving:
- For a delightful twist, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, enhancing the freshness of the meal.
Enjoy the creamy richness of this pasta dish that not only delights the palate but also brings the joy of wholesome ingredients into your kitchen. Bon appétit!
