Garden Penne Recipe
Description: Dive into the flavors of this delightful Garden Penne recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. It’s a savory blend of penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in a luscious sauce that’s both creamy and light. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal π²
Keywords: Penne, Vegetable, European, < 60 Mins, Oven, Stove Top π±π½οΈ
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Reduced-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Eggplants | 2, julienned |
| Zucchini | 2, julienned |
| Green pepper | 1, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Canned plum tomatoes | 5, diced |
| Plum tomatoes | 3, diced |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/3 tsp |
| Penne pasta | 1 lb |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, freshly grated |
Optional:
- Evaporated skim milk (for sauce) π₯
Instructions
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Saute Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the reduced-sodium chicken broth over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sautΓ© for about 5 minutes until they turn transparent and fragrant.
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Prepare Vegetables: Meanwhile, wash and dry the eggplants and zucchini. Julienne them into thin strips, ready to add to the dish.
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Add Eggplant and Zucchini: Once the onion and garlic are sautΓ©ed, add the julienned eggplant and zucchini to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and if needed, add more chicken broth to keep the vegetables moist.
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Saute Vegetables: Continue to sautΓ© the vegetables for about 8 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
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Add Pepper and Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the diced green pepper and both the canned and fresh plum tomatoes along with their juices. Mix everything together and sautΓ© for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Create Sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of evaporated skim milk, stirring gently to incorporate. This will add a delicate pinkish hue to the sauce. If the sauce needs more liquid or color, you can add the remaining evaporated skim milk as desired.
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Season and Simmer: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to taste preferences. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Cook Penne Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente, firm but tender to the bite.
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Combine and Serve: Once the penne pasta is cooked, drain it well and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Spoon the prepared sauce over the hot penne pasta, ensuring that each bite is generously coated with the flavorful sauce.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting warmth of this Garden Penne dish.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320.7
- Total Fat: 2.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0.4mg
- Sodium: 438.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 71.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 15.5g
- Sugar: 14.4g
- Protein: 9.7g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this Garden Penne recipe, where each bite is bursting with the freshness of vegetables and the richness of savory sauce. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or simply looking for a delicious way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out for your next meal and savor the taste of garden-fresh goodness! πΏπ
