Whole Wheat Penne Pasta Primavera Recipes

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA PRIMAVERA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• In a large bowl, toss all the vegetables (minus the cherry tomatoes) with the olive oil, salt, pepper, italian spices, garlic powder and crushed red pepper, if using.
• Arrange the vegetables on 2 large baking sheets, making sure they are in an even layer.
• Bake until carrots are tender, and remaining vegetables begin to brown slightly, and carmelize.
• It is a good idea to lightly toss the vegetables after about 10 minutes of cooking.
• Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water.
• Drain pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Toss the pasta and vegetables in a large bowl.
• Add the cherry tomatoes and any of the reserved cooking liquid is pasta seems dry.
• Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese of your choice and fresh basil leaves.

PASTA PRIMAVERA WITH SMOKED GOUDA

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, parsley, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce thickens. Stir in the pasta and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Top with Parmesan and Gouda cheeses before serving.

WHOLE WHEAT PENNE PASTA WITH CREAMY VODKA SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oil over medium heat in large saucepan. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Saute until soft, about 6-8 minutes. Add basil, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Add butter, and remove bay leaves.
• Process sauce in blender or food processor, in batches, until smooth.
• Add vodka to tomato sauce and simmer or low for an additional 30 minutes. Sauce will reduce and thicken. Stir in cream and Parmesan and simmer until cheese is melted and sauce blended.
• Cook pasta to al dente in boiling, salted water. Drain and transfer to large bowl. Pour sauce over cooked pasta and toss. Serve immediately.