Description
Creamy basil-garlic penne delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Simple ingredients blend into a luscious sauce that wraps pasta in herbal richness, letting you savor maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) dried penne pasta
- 1 (12-ounce/340 grams) bag Whole Foods European Greens Frozen Vegetable Blend
- 3 ½ cups water
Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, divided
Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 ½ teaspoons plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of salt until they transform into a golden, crispy coating. Transfer to a separate bowl and clean the skillet.
- Pour water, Greek yogurt, remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Whisk the ingredients into a smooth, uniform liquid.
- Add dried penne pasta to the liquid mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is submerged. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Cook uncovered, stirring periodically with a wooden spoon to promote even cooking.
- After 7 minutes, introduce the frozen vegetable blend into the skillet. Gently fold the vegetables into the pasta, maintaining an even distribution.
- Continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, vegetables become tender, and most liquid evaporates, creating a creamy consistency.
- Remove skillet from heat and incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a silky sauce.
- Plate the pasta in individual serving bowls, generously sprinkling the reserved toasted breadcrumbs on top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Elevate your one-pot pasta game with this creamy, hassle-free meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes.
- Toasting panko breadcrumbs before adding them creates a delightful golden crunch that transforms the dish’s texture and adds gourmet sophistication.
- Greek yogurt ensures a luxuriously smooth sauce without heavy cream, keeping the recipe lighter and tangier than traditional pasta dishes.
- Frozen vegetable blends are convenient time-savers that boost nutrition and add vibrant color to your meal with minimal prep work.
- The combination of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil provides a classic Italian flavor profile that elevates this simple one-pot wonder.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking and sauce distribution throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 608 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg