Easy One-Pot Pasta Veggie Medley

Ingredients

2 1/2 quarts (2.1L) water

1 tsp (6g) sea salt*

2 cups (450g) sun-dried tomatoes

8 ounces (230g) whole-grain or vegetable spiral pasta or pasta twists

2 cups (230g) broccoli florettes

1 large red bell pepper, sliced in strips

1 large gold bell pepper, sliced in strips

1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white part separated from green

2 Tbsp (30mL) extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt, dissolved in 1 Tbsp water (15mL)

1 Tbsp (9g) fresh garlic, chopped finely

1/2 cup (20g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped finely

1/4 cup (170g) ripe black olives, sliced

Parmesan cheese*, grated

Directions

Bring water and salt to a boil in a large pot over high heat while you wash, trim and prepare the vegetables.

When water reaches the boiling point, transfer 1 1/2 cups (360g) to a small mixing bowl. Add the sun-dried tomatoes; soak for 5 minutes, then drain and slice in thin strips.

Return water to a rapid boil over high heat. Add pasta gradually, stirring for 30 seconds or so to prevent sticking. Cook pasta 3 minutes less than manufacturer’s recommended cooking time. Add broccoli, bell peppers and white part of scallions to the pasta and water; cook 3 minutes over high heat.

While the vegetables cook, stir the salt-water mixture into the olive oil. When pasta and vegetables are just done, drain well in a colander, then return mixture immediately to the empty pot.

Stir in the water-oil mixture, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, scallion tops, herbs and olives; mix well. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese.

* Allergy notes: People following a corn-free diet should avoid iodized salt since it contains dextrose, which should be avoided by those allergic to corn. The egg protein lysozyme is an unlabeled additive in some cheeses. People allergic to eggs should eliminate any cheese in this recipe.

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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.