Friday, August 1, 2014

Summertime Veggie Pasta

By: The Food Hunter

Our garden will soon be overflowing with zucchini and tomatoes; and one of my favorite ways to use up these excess vegetables is adding them to pasta. Nothing says summer more than a big bowl of pasta mixed with veggies. This dish is not only delicious but also good for you. Adding a dollop of ricotta cheese and chopped fresh mint to the finished plate provides a nice creamy texture and a hint of elegance to your meal.



Summertime Veggie Pasta
(printable recipe)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 small zucchini, sliced in half moons
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1-2 cups frozen peas
1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
Ricotta cheese for serving

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Stir the penne into the boiling water. Cover the pot and return to boiling, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender but firm. Usually about 12 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil, crushed red pepper and garlic over medium heat. Cook until garlic becomes fragrant. Add zucchini and continue to cook, stirring occasionally about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of pasta water, peas and tomatoes; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat until pasta is ready.

When ready drain pasta and add to the pan with the vegetables. Return skillet to low heat and add mint; toss to coat. Season with salt and a splash of olive oil.

Dollop with ricotta cheese and serve immediately.

14 comments:

  1. That pasta looks like a perfect summer meal! Light and full of produce!

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  2. Yes - pasta and veggies just belong together in the summer - so perfect!!

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  3. Pasta and veggies= perfection! Looks delicious!

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  4. I love this recipe! Great use of garden veggies! I would use zucchini noodles for the pasta too!

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  5. I make something similar, although I use chickpeas instead of peas. It's such a family favorite that we eat it even in the middle of bone-chilling Phoenix winters.

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  6. Great way to use up garden veges! I'm looking forward to trying a dollop of ricotta next time!

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  7. One of the things I love about summer... simple dishes with stellar produce - the mint and ricotta make this dish!!!

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  8. I love dishes like this. I make them frequently this time of year. YUM.

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  9. Easy veggie pastas are my favorite in the summer!

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  10. I love pasta packed full of veggies...yum!

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  11. I love veggie packed pasta dishes! Makes me feel less guilty. This dish is beautiful!

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  12. I love good pasta in any weather. This pasta will work great in cold weather too.

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