Penne with Veggies

Penne with Veggies is a healthy pasta option chock-full of fresh taste! What makes it extra-special is that it cooks up in less time than it would take to order take-out. And the taste? As they say in Italy, "Molto Bene!"

Serves: 5

Cooking Time: 25 min

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion (about 1/4 onion)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, cut in half
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) package fresh spinach
• 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and saute garlic, onion, carrots, broccoli, and yellow pepper for 5 minutes, or until soft.
    
2. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, crushed red pepper, and spinach; reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes.
    
3. Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions; drain well. Toss pasta with sauce mixture and sprinkle with basil and Parmesan cheese.
    

Recipe adapted from and courtesy of www.dreamfieldsfoods.com.