Creamy Veggie Pasta

Hi all,

"This is my first ever blog,and i thought i could share one of my favorite recipe. I happened to like a lot of pastas but since i am a Vegetarian, i could not enjoy pastas in restaurants since there aren't much of a choice for Vegetarians.Bored up with Pasta like eggplant Parmesan with marinara sauce. This particular recipe was my version of a great meal. Enjoy............"

Level : Easy

Prep Time : 15 min

Yield : 4 People

Ingredients :

1 pound cooked Pasta (Penne/Rotini/Macaroni)
1 Bag Broccoli stir fry vegetable or any other Veggies as per choice
1 Green bell pepper
3 cloves chopped garlic
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried Oregano
1-1/2 to 2 cup of half and half
3 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp chopped pickled Jalapenos
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Sliced black Olives
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple of handfuls
2 tsp shredded Parmesan for Garnish
1/4 cup of prepared Basil pesto [Available in stores]
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.


Directions :

1) Cook pasta in hot boiling water seasoned with a little salt for 10-12 min to al dente or as per instructions in the box.
2) Heat the Olive Oil in a large skillet and add Garlic,saute till golden and add diced Green bell pepper.
3) Add the stir fry vegetables,chopped Jalapenos,Basil,Oregano,Salt and cover and cook for a couple of min.
4) Add the Mayonnaise,half and half and cook for 2 min till the sauce is nice and thick.
5) Add grated Parmesan and Basil pesto to the sauce.
6) Add the cooked pasta, toss and garnish with shredded Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper and serve hot.

Variation

You can also bake this prepared pasta in a casserole dish with a layer of shredded Mozzarella and marinara sauce mixed with or without basil pesto sauce (both ways its good) in high 350 F for 3 to 5 minutes till the Cheese melts.