Mediterranean Veggie Penne
This Mediterranean Veggie Penne is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, offering a vibrant medley of flavors and colors. Inspired by the need for a lighter yet satisfying meal, this recipe brings together an array of frozen vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time thanks to using frozen veggies, you can whip up this wholesome dish in no time. Topped with crunchy fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it’s sure to please both your palate and your waistline. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves
4 (peeled and minced)
Yellow Onion
1/2 medium (coarsely chopped)
Frozen Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots
12 ounces
Seasoned Tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (drained (basil, garlic, oregano))
Sliced Olives
2 1/4 ounces (drained)
Fresh Basil Leaves
6-8 leaves (sliced into thin strips)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Coarse Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Penne Pasta
8 ounces (cooked)
Fresh Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated (for topping))
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat until shimmering.
2
Add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the pan, sautéing until the onions are translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Meanwhile, prepare the frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix according to the package directions, then add it to the sauté pan.
4
Stir in the drained seasoned tomatoes, sliced olives, fresh basil leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through and fragrant.
5
Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, making sure to incorporate all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is heated.
6
Serve warm, generously topping each portion with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Veggie Penne?
It is a vibrant pasta dish featuring a medley of vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a savory tomato base, designed for a quick and healthy meal.
What frozen vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 12-ounce mix of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, though you may need to steam or blanch them beforehand to ensure they are tender within the recipe's timeline.
What type of tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe recommends a 14.5-ounce can of seasoned tomatoes, specifically those containing basil, garlic, and oregano.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
Yes, you should drain the seasoned tomatoes to prevent the final dish from becoming too watery.
What is the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne pasta is used in this recipe, as its shape is excellent for holding the vegetable mix and sauce.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced.
Is Mediterranean Veggie Penne vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat products.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
When do I add the fresh basil?
The fresh basil leaves should be stirred in along with the tomatoes, olives, and seasonings before adding the pasta.
Can I substitute dried basil for fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
How are the frozen vegetables prepared?
You should cook the frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots according to their package directions before adding them to the sauté pan.
What kind of olives are best for this recipe?
Any sliced and drained olives will work, though black olives or Kalamata olives are common choices for Mediterranean flavors.
Is this a good recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a quick meal with minimal prep time, especially since it utilizes frozen vegetables.
What heat setting should I use to sauté the garlic and onions?
The garlic and onions should be sautéed over medium-low heat until the onions are translucent.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp to this pasta?
Absolutely. You can stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas during the final step to add more protein.
How long do the onions need to cook?
The chopped onions typically take about 3-4 minutes to become translucent and tender.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using half of a medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped.
How do I serve the Mediterranean Veggie Penne?
Serve it warm, generously topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use whole wheat penne?
Yes, whole wheat penne is a great healthy alternative that pairs well with the vegetable-heavy sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the pasta, but it can be made so by using a gluten-free penne substitute.
How much pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of penne pasta, measured before cooking.
What is the measurement for the salt?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Fresh coarse ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, this pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated in a microwave or on the stovetop.
What makes this dish Mediterranean?
The combination of olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil are classic components of Mediterranean cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the seasonings and toppings.
What size pan is best for cooking this?
A large sauté pan or a wok is ideal to accommodate the volume of vegetables and pasta.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize this by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach based on your preference.