Hearty Winter Penne Pasta Recipe
**Hearty Winter Penne Pasta Recipe: A Comforting Dish for Cold Days**
As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to lift the spirits and keep the chill at bay. One of the best ways to embrace the cold season is by indulging in a comforting bowl of pasta. This **Hearty Winter Penne Pasta Recipe** is the perfect dish to nourish both body and soul during the winter months. Packed with seasonal vegetables, robust flavors, and a rich sauce, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy.
### Why Penne Pasta?
Penne is an excellent choice for winter pasta dishes because its tubular shape and ridged surface allow it to hold onto thick sauces and hearty ingredients. The sauce clings to the pasta, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Additionally, penne is versatile and pairs well with a variety of vegetables, meats, and cheeses, making it a great base for a winter-inspired dish.
### Ingredients for Hearty Winter Penne Pasta
This recipe is designed to make use of seasonal winter vegetables and pantry staples, creating a dish that is both nutritious and comforting. Here’s what you’ll need:
#### For the Pasta:
– 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, for pasta water
#### For the Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large carrot, diced
– 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 cup kale, chopped (or spinach)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### For Garnish:
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### 1. Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
#### 2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced carrot, butternut squash, and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight caramelization. If the vegetables are sticking to the pan, you can add a splash of broth to deglaze.
#### 3. Build the Sauce
Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
#### 4. Add the Greens
Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt and become tender. The addition of greens not only adds a nutritional boost but also a lovely pop of color to the dish.
#### 5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and vegetables. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
#### 6. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the hearty winter penne pasta to serving bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
### Tips for Customizing the Recipe
– **Add Protein**: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked sausage, ground turkey, or chicken to the sauce. Simply brown the meat in the skillet before adding the vegetables.
– **Make it Vegan**: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can also substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
– **Swap Vegetables**: Feel free to use other winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms. This recipe is highly