Whole Grain Penne with Fresh Vegetables

I just love asparagus! I am taking advantage of them now that they are in season. I found this recipe on the back of Barilla pasta box. Its a perfect dinner to fix for the summer.

1 box of Barilla Whole Grain Penne

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic

1 small white onion, finely chopped

1 (1 cup) yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 small (2cups) zucchini, diced

1 small (2 cups) yellow squash, diced

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pint (2cups) cherry tomatoes, halved

salt and black pepper, to taste

4 fresh basil leafs, torn

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, HEAT olive oil in a large skillet. Using the side of a knife, gently press and peel the garlic and saute in skillet for 1 minute, until slightly brown.
• ADD bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash and asparagus and saute until heated but not completely cooked.
• ADD tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and saute for 2 additional minutes.
• DRAIN pasta and toss with sauce and basil.
  

Asparagus Carbonara

I found this recipe in "Everyday with Rachel Ray" magazine. It is very quick, easy and yummy!

2 large eggs

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 pound spaghetti

1 bunch asparagus, halved lengthwise,

and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

5 slices bacon, coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup dry white wine

salt and pepper

• In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and cheese. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, adding the asparagus during the last minute of cooking. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the hot pasta and asparagus to the egg mixture; toss to coat.


• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, stir in the garlic, add the wine and cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Stir the bacon mixture into the pasta, adding enough of the reserved pasta water to moisten; season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4 prep: 15 min cook: 15 min