Easy Summer Pasta
From Izy Hossack's The Savvy Cook: "By roasting tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini together, you end up with a ratatouille-like mixture. Just whack it all in the oven for an hour and come back when you are ready to cook the penne. Throw on some torn mozzarella near the end so that it melts over the vegetables and combine with the pasta and some creme fraiche or ricotta."
From Izy Hossack's The Savvy Cook: "By roasting tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini together, you end up with a ratatouille-like mixture. Just whack it all in the oven for an hour and come back when you are ready to cook the penne. Throw on some torn mozzarella near the end so that it melts over the vegetables and combine with the pasta and some creme fraiche or ricotta."
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 3/4 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 eggplant, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
- 2 teaspoons mixed dried herbs (i like herbes de provence)
- 2 3/4 ounces (75g) fresh mozzarella cheese torn into medium strips
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) dried wholewheat penne pasta (or 3 cups/30
- 3 tablespoons crã¨me fraã®che or ricotta cheese
- 1 pinch salt more to taste
- Carbohydrate 6.566 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.0403 g
- Fiber 2.15600004673004 g
- Protein 2.3716 g
- Saturated Fat 0.30553 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (237g)
- Sodium 19.63375 mg
- Sugar 4.40999995326996 g
- Trans Fat 0.1495775 g
- Calories 46 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cherry tomatoes for later. Add the rest to a roasting tray.
- Cut the zucchini in half along their lengths, then cut the lengths into half-moons about 3/4-inch thick and add them to the roasting tray with the eggplant, oil, herbs and a pinch of salt.
- Toss together and roast in the oven for 1 hour, tossing halfway through cooking.
- After 45 minutes, scatter the torn mozzarella over the top of the vegetables and return to the oven for the final 15 minutes of cooking time so the cheese melts.
- Meanwhile, if starting with dried pasta, place the pasta in a medium pan and cover with just-boiled water from the kettle. Bring to the boil and cook until al dente (this will generally be the shorter cooking time on the packet).
- Drain, reserving a small mugful of the pasta water, and return the pasta to the saucepan.
- Once the vegetables and mozzarella have finished roasting, add them to the pan of drained pasta along with the creme fraiche or ricotta and a splash of reserved pasta water (or tap water if using precooked pasta).
- Season with salt to taste and divide between 2 plates.
- Scatter the reserved cherry tomatoes over the pasta and serve.
- Vegan: Omit the mozzarella and replace the creme fraiche/ricotta with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Gluten Free: Use gluten-free pasta (e.g. brown rice pasta).
Easy Summer Pasta: A Busy Woman's Delight
Life as a working professional can be hectic. Between meetings, deadlines, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time for a wholesome, delicious dinner often feels impossible. But what if I told you a truly satisfying meal doesn't have to require hours in the kitchen? This Easy Summer Pasta recipe is my secret weapon for effortlessly delicious weeknight dinners. It’s quick, it's adaptable, and most importantly, it tastes amazing.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The roasting process for the vegetables – zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes – takes just an hour. While they're happily bubbling away in the oven, I can focus on other tasks, whether it's catching up on emails or tackling a mountain of paperwork. The key is to choose ingredients that are both flavorful and readily available. I love using a mix of herbs de Provence for a vibrant, summery aroma. The mozzarella adds a delightful salty, creamy element, melting perfectly onto the roasted vegetables.
Once the vegetables are ready, the rest is a breeze. Cooking the pasta takes just a few minutes, and the whole dish comes together in under 15 minutes. I often use wholewheat penne for added nutritional value, but feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. If I’m feeling particularly adventurous, I might throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This recipe's flexibility is what makes it a true go-to for any busy woman.
I love that this pasta dish is adaptable to suit various dietary needs. For vegetarians, simply omit the mozzarella, and replace the creamy element with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. It's incredibly versatile and perfect for those who are vegetarian or vegan. And for anyone following a gluten-free diet, it’s as easy as switching to brown rice or another suitable alternative.
But this recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about the joy of creating something delicious and nourishing without sacrificing precious time. It's about finding that perfect balance between a satisfying and healthy meal and a manageable workload. It's a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, we can still savor simple pleasures like a flavorful, comforting bowl of pasta.
The vibrant colors of the roasted vegetables alone make this dish a feast for the eyes. Imagine a colorful medley of roasted eggplant, zucchini and juicy tomatoes, perfectly coated in herbs and olive oil, sitting atop a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. This is a dish that not only tastes good but looks beautiful too. It's elegant enough for a casual dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
I often find myself serving this Easy Summer Pasta recipe with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the rich, roasted flavors perfectly. It’s a dish that is as much about the ease of preparation as it is about the experience of savoring a wholesome and delicious meal. And that, in the midst of a busy life, is a luxury worth cherishing.
So, the next time you find yourself facing a hectic evening, remember this recipe. It's the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying dinner that fits seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules. You'll be surprised at how easily you can create something so incredibly satisfying and delicious in just a fraction of the time you might expect. The flavor is bright, summery, and unforgettable; a true reflection of effortless elegance in a single bowl.
