Penne Primavera With Smoked Mozzarella
A vibrant pasta dish featuring roasted vegetables, fresh basil, smoked mozzarella, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting and colorful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large shallot, chopped ⓘ
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thin ⓘ
- 2 cans whole tomatoes
- 1/2 c. fresh basil leaf, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 bunch broccoli, cleaned and cut bite-size
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large red sweet pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large yellow sweet pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. mozzarella, plain or smoked, cubed ⓘ
- 1 lb. pasta (penne or ziti), cooked ⓘ
- grated Locatelli cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the shallot and 3 cloves of sliced garlic for one minute.
- Stir in the canned whole tomatoes, sliced basil, oregano, and salt. Break up the tomatoes with a fork.
- Simmer and cook partially covered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the broccoli and sliced sweet peppers until tender.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with the sautéed vegetables and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Stir in the cubed smoked mozzarella and cook until the cheese starts to melt.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Locatelli cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting zucchini or asparagus for the sweet peppers. Fresh mozzarella can be used instead of smoked for a milder flavor. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Ensure you cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This Penne Primavera pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. For an Italian-inspired dinner, serve alongside Classic Chicken Risotto or Chicken Scampi. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors nicely and enhances the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta and heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it, covered, in 30-second intervals until heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne Primavera With Smoked Mozzarella contains roughly 1275 calories, with 13g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I add protein to this dish?
To add protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. If using chicken, sauté it separately and mix it in with the pasta and vegetables. This will not only boost the protein content but also create a more filling meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).