This summer penne pasta recipe is a perfect choice to enjoy during the warm months. With a combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and al dente pasta, this dish is light, refreshing, and bursting with taste. It is easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or any summer gathering. The vibrant colors and flavors of the ingredients will surely make this dish a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and black olives. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine with the vegetables.
- Season with salt, black pepper, fresh basil, and parsley. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to a serving dish.
- Serve the summer penne pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Interesting Facts
Penne pasta is a popular Italian pasta shape that resembles a little pen or quill.
This dish is a great way to use up the abundance of summer vegetables from your garden or local farmers market.
The combination of fresh basil and parsley adds a flavorful and aromatic touch to the pasta dish.
Adding a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the richness of the flavors.