Quick Penne Pasta with Veggies Recipe

Make a great meatless meal with broccoli, pasta and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. It's kid-friendly, packed with vitamins and minerals, and bursting with layers of rich flavor.

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 (16-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium-size red bell pepper, thinly sliced; slices halved
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Before you begin: Wash your hands.

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully release into the oil.
4. Add broccoli, beans, pepper, 3 tablespoons water and salt.
5. Cover and adjust heat to medium. Steam, stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes, or until broccoli is hot and peppers are crisp tender.
6. Toss pasta with vegetables. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh pepper.

Cooking Notes

• For a spicier flavor, add more garlic or pepper.
• Substitute any vegetables you or your children like, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 cup
Serves 8

Calories: 265; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 2mg; Sodium: 215mg; Total Carbohydrate: 41g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Protein: 12g