Penne with Zucchini

Penne with Zucchini is a sneaky way to add flavor and vegetables to your family’s pasta dinner. Getting some kids (including adult kids) to eat vegetables can be a daunting task. However put a plate of pasta in front of them and they will lick the plate.  One Sunday, while preparing dinner I had an Ah Ha moment. I added cooked zucchini to the Marinara sauce and mixed it with the pasta. They loved it. The zucchini picked up the flavor of the marinara sauce and it has become a family favorite.

Makes 4-5 Servings

1 TBS Salt

2-3 Medium Zucchini *

4 C Tomato Sauce *

1 lb Barilla Penne Pasta *

Grated Italian Cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over a high flame.

While the water is coming to a boil, wash the zucchini, cut it in half length wise and then cut it into ¼ inch slices. Place the cut zucchini into a covered microwave dish, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and cook in the microwave for 7-8 minutes on high or until crisp tender (fork is easily inserted in the zucchini).

While the zucchini are cooking heat up the tomato sauce in a medium sauce pan. When the zucchini are cooked, drain them then add them to the tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes over a low flame, stirring frequently.

Add the salt to the boiling water. Add the pasta to the water and stir until water returns to a boil. Cook according to the package directions.

When the pasta is cooked drain it into a colander. Pour the drained pasta back into the pot or into a large bowl and add the tomato sauce with the zucchini. Serve with some grated cheese and crusty Italian bread.

* Pronto Substitutes

Zucchini – You can substitute a variety of vegetables in place of the zucchini such as broccoli or mushrooms.

Tomato Sauce – You can use marinara, tomato sauce with meat or any other tomato based sauce.

Penne – Use any large pasta but steer away from spaghetti.

To print this recipe, go to Penne w Zucchini