Pasta con Polenta

Pasta con Polenta is a delightful Italian dish that combines the comforting textures of creamy polenta and al dente pasta, topped with a vibrant vegetable sauce. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 100 grams
• Polenta - 100 grams
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Spinach - 50 grams
• Parmesan cheese - 20 grams, grated
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh basil - for garnish

Steps

1. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the polenta to the boiling broth slowly while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce the heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
7. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
8. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture, tossing to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. To serve, spoon a generous portion of polenta onto each plate and top with the pasta and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from vegetables and polenta, supporting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, promoting heart health.

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