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Introduction
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a delicious and vibrant Baked Pasta Primavera. This dish combines fresh vegetables and creamy pasta, making it a perfect, colorful treat for you and your loved one.
Ingredients
350 grams penne pasta
150 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
100 grams zucchini, sliced
100 grams yellow bell pepper, sliced
100 grams broccoli florets
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
200 ml heavy cream
100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
100 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, broccoli, and red onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the vegetable mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, yellow bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced red onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and add half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish the baked pasta primavera with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Pasta Cooking Time
Ensure you drain the pasta while it is still al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Note 2: Vegetable Variations
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables according to your preference, such as asparagus or bell peppers.
Note 3: Cheese Alternatives
Different cheeses can be used in place of Parmesan or mozzarella, such as cheddar or ricotta, for added flavor.
Note 4: Extra Creaminess
For a creamier dish, you can add additional heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the mixing process.
Note 5: Storage
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Storage Instructions
Cooling
Allow the Baked Pasta Primavera to cool to room temperature after baking.
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake at 180°C (355°F) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Baked Pasta Primavera with a side salad topped with a light vinaigrette for added freshness. A bottle of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with this dish, making your Valentine’s dinner more special. For garnishing, consider adding extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Baked Pasta Primavera (approx. 1/4 of the recipe) contains:
– Calories: 480 kcal
– Protein: 20 g
– Carbohydrates: 50 g
– Dietary Fiber: 3 g
– Sugars: 6 g
– Fat: 25 g
– Saturated Fat: 12 g
– Sodium: 400 mg
This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins from the vegetables, while also being rich in calcium due to the cheese content.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Pasta: Use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
– Vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms work wonderfully in this recipe.
– Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream.
– Cheese: Substitute Parmesan and mozzarella with any cheese of your choice, such as gouda, cheddar, or a vegan cheese alternative.
– Olive oil: Other cooking oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
Ensure to boil the pasta in salted water to enhance its flavor. Cook until al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Sautéing Vegetables
Use medium heat to sauté the garlic and vegetables, allowing them to soften while retaining some texture and flavor.
Simmering Sauce
Combine heavy cream and Parmesan to create a rich and creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Baking
Bake the assembled dish until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, ensuring a crunchy top layer while keeping the inside creamy.
Garnishing
Finish the dish with fresh basil to add a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors of the baked pasta.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you enjoy. Carrots, asparagus, or spinach work well too.
How can I make this dish vegan?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, and use vegan cheese alternatives for the Parmesan and mozzarella.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I serve with Baked Pasta Primavera?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a light wine to complement the flavors.
Conclusion
Baked Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish that not only satisfies the palate but also brings a splash of color to your Valentine’s Day table. With its combination of fresh vegetables and cheesy goodness, it is sure to impress your loved one. Enjoy the warmth and love this dish brings, making your celebration even more special.
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