Quick and Easy Pasta Primavera

Ok Everyone.  This is going to be quick.  Because school is almost out and we need a couple new, quick, EASY, dinner fixes to get nutrition and energy on the table…fast. And that, my dear friends, is exactly what this does!

NOTE:  This is actually more of a cooking strategy you can adapt to whatever you have on hand so it tends to be really quick and is a great clean up the fridge meal!

I love this because…

It’s quick and easy,

It’s full of flavor and…

It’s chock full of healthy veggies!

So without further adieu…

INTRODUCING…..Laura’s Choice Quick and Easy Pasta Primavera!

First – let’s gather some ingredients shall we?

I usually just choose whatever veggies happen to be on sale at the market and in my fridge at any given moment (leftover ones work great here) and slice/chop them up (you’ll also be happy if you have some leftover chicken or shrimp or pork or steak to throw in for a protein kick too – stay tuned)! 

Oh, and pull out what ever pasta you have on hand, the EVOO, a clove of garlic, some Parmesan and S&P.  Now you’re ready.

Step 1.  Cook your pasta according to directions.  Don’t forget to season that pasta water generously with salt!  It makes a huge difference!

Step 2.  Sauté your veggies in a little EVOO that you’ve heated and sizzled your smashed garlic clove in.  Add a little S&P to taste and mix in well. Remember not to let your garlic burn!  It only takes a minute in a hot pan to infuse that oil with its flavor!

Cook your mixture til it looks like this…

and this.

You’ll see I used…zucchini, yellow squash, a little onion, corn I had leftover from an “on the cob experience” earlier in the week, some frozen peas, fresh green beans, and a few carrots all nestled together and juiced up with the “garlic-ed” EVOO.

Step 3.  Next, I heated up some leftover chunked rotisserie chicken I happened to have on hand (but this dish is great with just the veggies too!)  in the microwave for a minute or so and added it, along with the veggies, to the drained pasta in a big ole pasta bowl!

That got topped with some halved grape tomatoes that were screaming to me from my counter top and freshly chopped parsley, along with a healthy dose of Parm Cheese and some more EVOO.

Toss this baby up.  Keep tossing.  That’s right, get all that cheesy goodness spread throughout.  Add a little pasta water if you need a little more moisture…and some more S&P, if you wish.

Dinner. Done.

Thanks for reading my friends….you’re the greatest!  If you care to try this recipe strategy idea thingy, shoot me a pic of what your creation looks like!  I’m gonna want to gobble it up!

P.S.  It’s great for lunch tomorrow too!  XOXO.