Penne with Broccoli

I came across this recipe on Food network. Almost every show has a version of this versatile pasta dish. I have customized it to suit the needs of my family and it has become a staple on weekends or busy weeknights. Luckily everyone in our family in general loves broccoli. Taking advantage of this fact, I make this pasta with Broccoli. It is really simple to make and can be made in a jiffy.

Boil water and cook a pound of penne pasta according to directions on the box. (I used mini penne pasta). While the pasta is cooking, we make the garlic sauce for the pasta. You could use store bought too but this is how I like to make it. 

Take 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over low heat. Add 2 tbsp of minced garlic and 2 tbsp of chopped shallots/onion. Cover and cook till everything is soft.

Then add 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour into it alongwith a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes till the flour cooks and loses its raw smell. Then add 1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly.

Keep stirring till the mixture is smooth and thickened. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding milk/half and half as required. It should not be too thick or thin. Add 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes (customize according to taste), 1 tsp basil and 2 tsp of italian seasoning and mix. To this add chopped and steamed broccoli florets, about 2 cups. Stir and cook for 3-4 mins.

To this add the cooked pasta along with a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and serve hot with garlic bread!!   This recipe is going to:

Mharo Rajasthan Recipes': Bookmarked Recipes - Every Tuesday Event - 23rd November 2010 (Volume 17) 

 and  Treat your Tongue's: Healing Foods Event - Broccoli started by Siri.

Till the next post, take care everyone!!

Pasta Salad

 

This is a great dish to make for potlucks or can be made for a single person for a quick lunch. What I love about this dish is that the taste and ingredients can be customized as per your requirement.
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked as per package instructions, 1 cup thousand island dressing, 2 tsp Olive oil, Italian Seasoning, Salt and pepper as per taste, 1 cup Mixed veg (boiled and drained), 1 tbsp chopped spring onion, Craisins or dried cranberries (handful), Hot sauce (a couple of splashes), 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese.  
Method: In a large bowl, mix pasta, boiled veg, thousand island dressing, Olive oil, chopped spring onion, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, a few dashes of hot sauce. Add craisins and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and garnish with spring onion (green part) and Parm cheese. Serve at room temperature. The craisins give it a really unique flavor. 

I am sending this as an entry to Creatvie Saga's Pasta event.