Garden Fresh Creamy Pasta Medley
This delightful Garden Fresh Creamy Pasta Medley was inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of a warm late spring evening spent with friends. The combination of crisp, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a light, creamy sauce come together to create a dish that is not only satisfying but also bursting with seasonal goodness. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is key to achieving that bright, clean flavor profile, making this dish the perfect partner for a leisurely evening on the porch, enjoying laughter and good company.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
1 lb (Cooked as per package instructions)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (Used for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
6-8 (Diced)
Green pepper
1 (Diced)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Yellow pepper
1 (Diced)
Smoked sausage
1 lb (Sliced)
Tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Undrained and diced)
Zucchini
2 (Sliced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Fresh basil leaves
6-8 (Chopped)
Lemon
1/2 (Juiced)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the olive oil.
3
Stir in the diced garlic, diced green pepper, and chopped parsley. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft.
4
Add in the diced yellow pepper and sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Continue to stir and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the sausage is heated through.
5
Mix in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), sliced zucchini, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the tomato juices are well distributed. Cover the skillet and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender.
6
Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in the fresh basil leaves and lemon juice. Let the residual heat wilt the basil and meld the flavors for another 2-3 minutes.
7
Finally, gently toss the pasta with the vegetable and sausage mixture, allowing it to absorb some of the sauce. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is called Garden Fresh Creamy Pasta Medley.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Penne pasta.
What protein is included in the Garden Fresh Creamy Pasta Medley?
The recipe includes 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 6-8 diced garlic cloves.
What vegetables are used in this medley?
The vegetables include green pepper, yellow pepper, zucchini, and diced tomatoes.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be undrained as the juices are used to create the sauce.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What fresh herbs are featured in this dish?
The dish features fresh parsley and fresh basil leaves.
How long should the zucchini simmer?
The zucchini should simmer for 10-15 minutes until it is tender.
Is there any citrus added to the recipe?
Yes, the juice of 1/2 a lemon is added at the end to enhance the flavor.
What fats are used to sauté the vegetables?
A combination of butter and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil is used.
How long should the dish rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
How many zucchinis are required?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced zucchinis.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.
How long do you sauté the garlic and green peppers?
Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft.
When should the fresh basil be added?
The basil should be stirred in after removing the skillet from the heat.
What kind of peppers are used?
The recipe uses one diced green pepper and one diced yellow pepper.
How much smoked sausage is needed?
You will need 1 lb of smoked sausage.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
What seasoning is suggested?
Salt and pepper are added to taste.
Can this be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged and described as a one-dish meal.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
It was inspired by the colors and flavors of a warm late spring evening.
How do you prepare the yellow pepper?
The yellow pepper should be diced.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Should the skillet be covered during any part of the cooking?
Yes, cover the skillet while the zucchini and tomatoes simmer for 10-15 minutes.
How is the sausage cooked?
The sliced sausage is sautéed with the peppers for 5-6 minutes until heated through.
What type of tomatoes are used?
One 14.5-ounce can of diced, undrained tomatoes is used.
How many basil leaves are needed?
The recipe uses 6-8 chopped fresh basil leaves.
Is the garlic minced or diced?
The garlic should be diced.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced.