Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Intensity: Moderate
Yield: 6 servings
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add Bell Pepper and Zucchini: Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Seasoning: Season the vegetable mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the vegetable sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Optional Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, if desired. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
4. Serving:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Serve Hot: Serve immediately, portioning into bowls.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 11g
Tips for Perfect Can’t Believe How Delicious Pasta:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously with herbs and spices for a flavorful dish.
- Cheese Option: For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like basil add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this “Can’t Believe How Delicious” pasta dish as a satisfying and wholesome meal!