Summer Penne Pasta Food

SUMMER PENNE PASTA

Steps:

• In a large pot cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, leaving it slightly wet.
• While pasta is cooking, wash the bell peppers and cut them into 1/4 inch strips. In a large skillet over medium heat place 2 tablespoons of olive oil and saute the pepper until soft. Do not allow peppers to brown.
• To the skillet, add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash and saute for 2 minutes. Add chopped mushrooms and minced garlic and saute an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the chopped tomatoes and remove from heat.
• Dish pasta portions onto warmed plated. Add sauce to top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

PASTA POMODORO FOR TWO

Steps:

• Puree the tomatoes using an immersion blender or food processor. Set aside.
• In a saucepot over medium heat, combine the olive oil, pepper flakes and garlic. Gently toast the garlic until golden brown, being careful not to burn it. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer; simmer 5 to 8 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the pot with the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the butter, half of both cheeses and half of the basil and cook, tossing frequently, until the pasta is nicely coated. Season with salt if necessary.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, top with the remaining cheese and basil and drizzle with olive oil.

PENNE PASTA WITH FETA AND SUMMER VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain with a little olive oil.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan add garlic, zucchini and both capsicums and stir over high
• heat for 2-3 mins or until vegetables are tender.
• Add tomatoes and cook for a further 30 seconds.
• Stir in feta cheese, olives and thyme.
• Cook 1 minute more and season to taste.
• Toss vegetable/cheese mixture through the pasta and garnish with chopped herbs.