LEMON PEPPER PASTA WITH VEGETABLES

LEMON PEPPER PASTA WITH VEGETABLES image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package Esotica Pasta (Lemon Pepper flavor)
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 tbsp. lemon pepper
Broccoli, yellow squash and/or asparagus
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Start by sautéing the garlic, lemon pepper and the vegetables of your choice in olive oil for 3-5 minutes. Don't not overcook your veggies unless you like them that. I like them a little crisp (though John likes them a little soft. Balance is everything). For color I might toss in some sun dried, cherry or grape tomatoes at the end of the sauté. Now, let's prepare the pasta. Unlike other products, it helps to actually read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. In the case of Esotico Pasta, they recommend bringing 5 quarts of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Then add the pasta and let it come back to a boil. Cook uncovered for four minutes. Test your pasta then, checking for "al dente", which means your pasta is slightly firm. I like to take a piece and bite in to it. If I have to cut in to it with my teeth a bit, what I call "a bite", I consider it done. It shouldn't be too soft or too hard, but definitely to your own taste. Once you find your firmness, take it off the heat and drain the pasta. I then toss the pasta with our sauce, and top it all with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I like Parmigiano Reggiano, which you can find at many higher end cheese counters. I sometimes like to add some lean chicken breast slices for a bit of protein as well. In the end I have a tasty dish that didn't take me longer than 15 minutes. Enjoy! For more, see us at http://www.wellkrafted.com