Most summer gardens are still producing a few zucchini squash this time of year, and we’re often looking for a new way to serve them. Just a few zucchini plants can produce dozens of squash in no time unless you check them every day. If the weather is ideal, you may have a blossom one day and a few days later return to find the zucchini has grown to the size of a baseball bat.
If you’re lucky enough to still have tomatoes and sweet red peppers growing, then you have three main ingredients for a delicious, inexpensive Italian pasta dish.
Even if you don’t grow your own vegetables, you may already have a few of these common items in your fridge. Combined with bow-tie pasta, these stir-fried vegetables can provide a one-dish meal ready in minutes. Served with a side salad and crusty bread, this makes a quick, colorful, delicious summer meal.
CHICKEN PASTA TOSS
6 ounces bow tie pasta, uncooked
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
Cook pasta according to package directions; keep warm. Meanwhile, chop tomatoes and onion.
Slice zucchini into 1/8 to 1/4-inch pieces and cut red bell pepper into strips.
Heat oil in stir-fry skillet or an iron skillet over medium heat until hot
Press garlic cloves with a garlic press into skillet and then add the chicken strips.
Stir-fry for 5 minutes, turning with a spatula.
Add onion, zucchini, red bell pepper, peas and seasonings, stir-fry 2-5 minutes.
Add tomatoes; heat 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in warm pasta. Grate Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pasta.
Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings
Note: I like to add a few teaspoons of additional grated Parmesan cheese over each individual serving as well, for a richer flavor.
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