The Best Italian Excellentani Pasta Recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique pasta dish to impress your guests, look no further than this cellentani pasta recipe. Made with twisted, corkscrew-like pasta, this dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps of creating this mouthwatering pasta dish that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To make this cellentani pasta recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of cellentani pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the directions for making this delicious cellentani pasta dish:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cellentani pasta and cook until al dente, following the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Return the cooked cellentani pasta to the pot and add the sautéed vegetables. Toss the pasta and vegetables together, allowing the flavors to meld.
Sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley over the pasta and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lastly, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta dish.
Serve the cellentani pasta hot, garnished with some fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While cellentani pasta works great for this recipe due to its shape, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Fusilli, rotini, or penne would make suitable substitutes.
Q: Can I add meat to this dish?
A: Of course! If you’re looking to add some protein, cooked chicken or shrimp would be a tasty addition to this cellentani pasta recipe. Simply cook the desired meat separately and toss it in with the pasta and vegetables at the end.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian as it is. However, if you are a vegan or looking to make it dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sautéed vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the vegetables and toss them with the cooked pasta. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta during reheating.
Q: How can I customize this recipe to my taste?
A: Feel free to get creative with this cellentani pasta recipe. You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted eggplant. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your personal preferences.
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to bring this cellentani pasta recipe to life in your own kitchen. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this delightful dish, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
