Mediterranean Penne with Veggie Ragù and Grana Padano

Penne with Vegetable Ragù
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4

This delightful vegetable ragù features a medley of fresh veggies cooked to perfection, offering a lighter, yet flavorful alternative to traditional meat-based ragù. The rich, savory taste of mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes blend harmoniously, creating a satisfying sauce to coat the penne, finished with a sprinkle of Grana Padano DOP and fresh parsley for an aromatic touch.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Begin by cleaning the champignon mushrooms. Trim the stems, then wipe the caps with a cloth to remove any excess dirt, being careful not to rinse them under water.
   Trim the ends of the zucchini, slice them into rounds, and then cut them into uniform cubes that match the size of the mushrooms.
   Finely chop the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onions until they become soft and translucent.
   Add the mushrooms to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until they begin to release their moisture and soften.
   Once the mushrooms are ready, add the cubed zucchini to the pan. Continue to sauté for a few minutes until the zucchini starts to soften.

3. Add the Tomatoes
   Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their juices for a few minutes. Once the tomatoes are slightly wilted, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

4. Cook the Pasta
   In a separate large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Add the penne rigate and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

5. Combine Pasta and Ragù
   Add the cooked penne to the pan with the vegetable ragù. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the chopped parsley and freshly grated Grana Padano DOP for a burst of flavor.

6. Serve
   Serve the penne with vegetable ragù hot, garnished with extra Grana Padano DOP and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy this hearty yet light dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This penne with vegetable ragù offers a vibrant, wholesome meal, bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a light yet fulfilling meal for a special occasion, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a light salad and enjoy!