Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy? Look no further than this incredible Penne Pasta and Vegetable recipe that promises to be your new weeknight dinner superhero! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, nutritious dish that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef but can be easily made in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or simply someone who loves amazing food without complicated cooking techniques, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
- Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften and develop light golden edges.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if desired for creating a light sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the tomatoes.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix to distribute the seasonings.
- Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a drizzle of additional olive oil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is flavorful from the inside out.
- For perfectly al dente pasta, start testing it 1-2 minutes before the package instructions suggest. The pasta should have a slight resistance when you bite it.
- Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing vegetables to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Don't overcrowd your skillet when cooking vegetables. This ensures they sauté and develop beautiful golden edges instead of steaming.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness can help create a light, silky sauce if needed.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference - if possible, use freshly chopped parsley right before serving to add brightness and aroma.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of garlic when sautéing the vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
