There is no "one" way, right way or a wrong way to make pasta. It is so versatile, the kind of pasta, the shape of pasta, the long array of sauces, vegetables, the list and combinations are endless.
This is just one way of making it. I like to use whole wheat hearty pasta (if you have not tried it yet, you totally should give it a go), and with homemade basil pesto sauce, and mixed fresh veggies it makes it my ideal wholesome meal.
As much as I would like to say that I prepared my sauce from scratch... I did not. Did I mention I killed my lush basil plant by letting it sit outdoors in the cold weather for weeks together?
No more plants till I can promise myself to take care of the next one.
So, getting back to the pasta dish, my favorite, no over-the-top sauces. Just plain, simple but packs a lot of heart.
Whole wheat Rotini with roasted veggies and feta in basil pesto sauce
Ingredients:
100% Whole wheat rotini - 1 box (Use any kind of pasta you like, I would not recommend the flavored ones for this recipe)
Fresh basil pesto sauce - 1/4 cup
Fresh veggies - 3-4 cups (Carrots, Snow peas, Asparagus, Bell pepper, Water chestnuts, Cremini Mushrooms)
Spring onion - 1/2 cup chopped
Fat free Feta cheese - 1/2 cup
Olive oil - 2-3 tbsp
Garlic - 4-5 pods
Salt - To taste
Red chilly flakes - 1 tsp (adjust according to taste)
Method:
Cook pasta according to package directions. I like mine a little al dente. Reserve half-a-cup of pasta water. (Do not rinse pasta in cold water.)
Transfer to a large bowl and set aside away from the heat.
Simultaneously, stir fry the veggies in olive oil, season and add to the pasta.
Pan roast the mushrooms with garlic, season and add to the bowl.
Add the rest of the ingredients - salt, pepper flakes, feta cheese, spring onions (I do not like to saute them), and the basil pesto. Toss together with light hands. Remember to add the reserved pasta water to bring it all together.
This recipe will make plenty of pasta. Halve the recipe if it makes things more manageable.
No way, you're back! Welcome back, you and your food was missed.
ReplyDeleteThis looks delicious! We had a similar pasta salad today, too.
ReplyDeleteI love whole wheat pasta, one of my faves :)
Great post!
nice recipe dear....quick and simple
ReplyDeletethat looks so delicious..would you like to send this to my pasta event?details here
ReplyDeletehttp://creativesaga.blogspot.com/2010/03/pasta-with-broccoli-and-mushrooms-and.html
looks delicious. I love roasted vegetables :)
ReplyDeleteHi , first time here . The rotini looks yummy , u hav a great collection of low cal recipes . Following u to keep a track of all that lovely healthy stuff !!!
ReplyDeleteSmita
@ Little Food Junction
what a wholesome dish!
ReplyDeletewelcome back dear ! congrats!!pasta looks awesome & delicious..great click..
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back after a long...seems u r back with a bang..rotini with those veggies and pesto looks truly awesome and filling..
ReplyDeleteyummy this looks
ReplyDeleteEven I killed basil - i thought it is annual :) The salad is whole hearty meal!
ReplyDeletenice one divya :)
ReplyDeleteI love wholesome hearty meals like this one!
You said it right when you said pasta is so versatile. I have always wondered how Giada come up with so many preparations.
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious...with the unpredictable weather here, it is not a sin to kill plants. Every spring I promise myself never to visit Homedepot but by summer I end up with all kinds of herbs in my yard and they by winter they die their own death or I am destined to kill them.
Looks delicious and super healthy too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome recipe and very colorful and healthy.. Its real treat for eyes anu.
ReplyDeletePavithra
www.dishesfrommykitchen.com
Hearty and filling pasta.Never tried feta in any of the pasta dishes.
ReplyDeleteso green and healthy. the colors are a festive treat.
ReplyDeleteDivya, congratulations on the baby girl, and welcome back. Good to see you around again.
ReplyDeleteGotta love pasta for being so versatile! There is only one 'rule' for me when it comes to pasta - it has to be aldente :)
ReplyDeleteLovely recipe!
ReplyDeleteThat is one bright bowl I would love to have for my lunch!
ReplyDeleteAs nutritious as a pasta dish can be,just the way I like it :D
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and springy -- we can't wait to try it!
ReplyDelete