Penne Pasta With Veggies in Tomato Base Recipe
Introduction
Penne Pasta With Veggies in Tomato Base is a delightful fusion of authentic Italian flavors and vibrant, wholesome vegetables. This vegetarian dinner recipe combines the richness of a tomato-based sauce with the goodness of carrots, bell peppers, beans, and black olives. Topped with melted cheese and seasoned to perfection with oregano, chili flakes, and a hint of rosemary, this recipe is perfect for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner night. Paired with refreshing Watermelon Panzanella Salad and decadent Mocha Panna Cotta, this dish will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Recipe Information
| Cuisine | Italian Recipes |
|---|---|
| Course | Dinner |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Penne Pasta | 2 cups, boiled as per instructions |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To cook |
| Onion | 1, finely 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 |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 cups |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | As per 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 |
| Cheese | 6 tablespoons, grated |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese
- Begin by finely chopping the onion, green bell pepper, carrots, and green beans. Slice the black olives. Grate the cheese and set all the ingredients aside.
Step 2: SautΓ© the Vegetables
- Heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sautΓ© until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Gradually add the chopped green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and olives. Cook the vegetables until they are ΒΎ cooked, ensuring they retain a slight crunch for texture.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautΓ©ed vegetables and stir continuously. Cook for about 2β3 minutes until the flour is lightly golden and the raw smell disappears.
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture come to a boil and thicken into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Puree and Seasonings
- Stir in the homemade tomato puree and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the rawness of the tomato disappears.
- Season the sauce with salt, white pepper powder, dried oregano, red chili flakes, and a touch of crushed rosemary (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in half of the grated cheese and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure the cheese melts into the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the pasta and let it melt without stirring for about 2 minutes. This creates a deliciously gooey layer of melted cheese on the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish the Penne Pasta With Veggies in Tomato Base with a sprig of rosemary or a light sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Serve hot with a side of refreshing Watermelon Panzanella Salad and creamy Mocha Panna Cotta to create a complete Italian meal experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~50 g |
| Protein | ~15 g |
| Fats | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~6 g |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
Chefβs Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Boiling the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta al dente (firm to the bite) as it will absorb some sauce while cooking further.
- Homemade Tomato Puree: For a richer taste, make your own tomato puree by blanching, peeling, and blending fresh tomatoes.
- Veggie Options: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a personalized twist.
- Cheese: Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamier and slightly tangy flavor.
Enjoy this delectable Penne Pasta With Veggies in Tomato Base as a family favorite or a star dish for your Italian dinner night!
