Easy Pasta with Vegetables

This pasta dish is perfect for warm weather, or any time of year really.   For this dish, I used cauliflower and broccoli; however, you can use any vegetables that you have on hand.  You can also use fresh or frozen vegetables.  I used 1 cup of cauliflower and 1 cup of broccoli each (2 cups total).

.

Method:

For the first step, I cooked the vegetables by steaming them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water until they were steamed (15-20 minutes).  You can also cook the vegetables in a pot of boiling water, in a microwave steamer bag, or any other method that you prefer for cooking your vegetables.

While the vegetables are cooking, cook 1 lb (16 oz) of pasta of your choice by following the package directions.

While the vegetables and pasta are cooking, mince the garlic of 3-4 cloves if using fresh garlic.  (I used 4 teaspoons of prepared garlic for this recipe) and squeeze the lemon (or use prepared lemon juice).  I used the juice of half of a lemon, which was almost 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.  You can add more to taste.

Drain and return the pasta to the pot when done.

Add the cooked vegetables to the pasta.  Then, add the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the pasta and vegetables.  Stir to coat the vegetables and pasta, then sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper.

Top with parmesan cheese.  I also added a bit of shredded cheese on top.  Serve while warm and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of vegetables (I used 1 cup of cauliflower and 1 cup of broccoli)
• 1 lb (16 oz) of pasta
• 3-4 cloves of garlic minced (3-4 teaspoons of prepared, minced garlic)
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup of olive oil (you can use less)
• Juice of half a lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons). You can use more to taste
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (or more!)
• dash of salt and pepper

Directions:

Prepare and cook the vegetables using a method of your choice (steam, boil in water, microwave bags, etc.).  While the vegetables are cooking, cook the pasta according to the package directions.  Drain and return the cooked pasta to the pan.  Combine the cooked vegetables in the pasta.  Pour in the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.  Toss to coat the vegetables and pasta.  **Optional – sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper.  Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!