Penne Primavera

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta - 500 grams
• Fresh vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and tomatoes) - 2 cups (chopped)
• Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves (crushed)
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Freshly ground basil - 1 tablespoon
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Grated parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping them into small pieces.
3. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the penne pasta until it reaches the desired tenderness. Drain the water and set aside.
4. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the crushed garlic. Saute for a minute.
5. Add the chopped vegetables and continue to cook until they become tender.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
8. Transfer the penne primavera to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese (if using).
9. Place in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
10. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional Information: (Based on the given ingredients)

• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (assuming no additional oil or salt)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Protein: 18g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a colorful combination of fresh vegetables and penne pasta, making it visually appealing.
• The flavor is light and refreshing, with a hint of basil and parmesan cheese.
• It is a great dish for people who enjoy pasta but want a lighter option with plenty of vegetables.

User Comments:

1. "This was a delicious pasta dish! The fresh vegetables added a great texture and flavor."
2. "I loved the use of basil in this dish, it gave it a great aroma."
3. "The penne pasta was cooked perfectly, not too soft and not too hard."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• This dish is great for those who are looking for a gluten-friendly option as long as the penne pasta is gluten-free.