Healthy Food Recipes: Busiate

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) busiate pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the busiate pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

4. Add the cooked busiate pasta, chopped basil leaves, sliced Kalamata olives, and capers to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.

5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Serve the busiate pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Cook’s Note:

• Busiate is a type of spiral-shaped pasta from the Trapani region of Sicily. If you can’t find busiate, you can substitute with another short, twisted pasta shape like fusilli or gemelli.
• For a heartier meal, you can add grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to the dish.
• Adjust the amount of vegetables and seasonings to your personal taste preferences.
• This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for potlucks or outdoor gatherings.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

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