Savory Mediterranean Penne Primavera Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Penne Primavera Sauce! Packed with an abundance of fresh vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, this meatless sauce is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. It's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prepping ahead of time. Best of all, it freezes well, so you can enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean whenever you crave it. Pair it with al dente penne pasta for a delightful dinner that delights every taste bud!
6
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 small (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Eggplant
1 medium (about 1 pound) (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Red bell pepper
1 (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Celery
1 stalk (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dry white or red wine
1/2 cup (none)
Dried thyme or oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Plum tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (coarsely chopped, stems removed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the vegetables: cut the zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, onion, and celery into 1/2 inch pieces.
2
If you're cooking pasta at the same time, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
3
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
4
Add the diced vegetables to the skillet and sauté them until they are tender and slightly caramelized, which should take about 10 minutes.
5
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
6
Pour the wine into the skillet, stirring continuously. Allow the wine to cook down until it's nearly evaporated, approximately 2 minutes.
7
Add the coarsely chopped tomatoes, making sure to crush them slightly with your hands as you add them to the sauce. You can also chop them if preferred.
8
Incorporate the dried thyme or oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste into the sauce.
9
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.
10
Once your sauce is ready, drain the penne if cooked separately, and toss it with the sauce until well coated. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
38g
Carbs
4g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mediterranean Penne Primavera Sauce?
It is a vibrant, meatless pasta sauce packed with fresh Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes zucchini, eggplant, red bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic.
Is this Mediterranean Penne Primavera Sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this is a completely meatless and vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly as it uses olive oil and vegetable ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
Can I freeze this pasta sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes very well, making it excellent for long-term storage.
What type of pasta goes best with this sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends pairing it with al dente penne pasta.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
It takes about 10 minutes to sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
What kind of wine should I use for the sauce?
You can use a 1/2 cup of either dry white or dry red wine depending on your preference.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the zucchini just needs to be cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What size cans of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses two 28-ounce cans of plum tomatoes.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness.
What herbs are used in this Mediterranean sauce?
You can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of either dried thyme or dried oregano.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a great option for meal prepping ahead of time.
How much fat is in a serving of this sauce?
There is only 1 gram of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 38 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
How should I handle the plum tomatoes when adding them?
You should coarsely chop them or crush them slightly with your hands as you add them to the skillet.
Can I use fresh pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding fresh ground pepper to taste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the vegetables by cutting them into 1/2 inch pieces.
Does the wine stay in the sauce?
No, you should cook the wine down until it is nearly evaporated before adding the tomatoes.
Is this a quick dinner recipe?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights and labeled as a quick dinner option.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What size should the red bell pepper be cut?
The red bell pepper should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
Should the pasta be cooked in the sauce?
No, the penne should be cooked separately in salted water and then tossed with the finished sauce.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its high vegetable content and low fat.