Less than thirty minutes, your favorite dried pasta variety, some pantry items and a few fresh ingredients makes a yummy, plant-based meal! My quick penne dish features broccoli florets, enhanced with fresh basil, a dash of garlic powder, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes! It’s time to celebrate pasta night!
ABOUT THE RECIPE:
This nutritious and delicious pasta dish (that can be prepared in under thirty minutes) is a true, one-pot vegan meal, making it a great weeknight supper.
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound whole-grain penne or other pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large bunch broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
- 1 jar (8 ounces) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 to 14 large leaves of fresh basil, very thinly sliced, or 2 teaspoons dried basil (see note)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 cup toasted wheat germ or vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the penne. Decrease the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the penne starting to become tender. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until the penne is al dente and the broccoli is crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
Meanwhile, put the sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, fresh (or dried) basil and garlic powder in a bowl large enough to also accommodate the penne and broccoli, and stir until well combined.
Drain the penne and broccoli and, while they are still piping hot, pour the penne and broccoli over the tomato mixture.
Add the optional wheat germ or vegan Parmesan cheese and toss gently until thoroughly combined.
Add a bit of the pasta water (or more oil) if the penne still seems dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again. Serve immediately.
This colorful, one-pot meal can be prepared in under thirty minutes, making it a great option for a family-friendly, weeknight supper.
NOTE: If preferred, you can use dried Italian seasoning blend, in place of the fresh (or dried) basil.
