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Forest Pasta

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You won't hear quite as many "eeewwwws" when the broccoli is called "trees" and it's oozing with cheese, which makes this pasta great for any kid (or adult) with a vegetable aversion.


  • 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 (12-ounce) package fresh chopped broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, snipped with scissors
  • 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
  • 1 (1-pint) package grape tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce) package mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh, drained, and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1 cup basil leaves, snipped with scissors
  • grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

2 Add the broccoli to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking time.

3 Drain and set aside.

4 Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar.

5 Add the dried tomatoes, garlic, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives, stirring well to mix.

6 Add the pasta and broccoli mixture to the bowl, stirring well to coat the pasta.

7 Sprinkle with the basil leaves and Parmesan cheese, if using.

  • You can entice your kids to this dish by using their favorite shaped pasta.

  • Out of fresh broccoli? Just use a 10-ounce package of frozen chopped broccoli instead.

  • Fresh mozzarella can be found in the international cheese section of your market. The fresh mozzarella has a very mild, fresh flavor compared to processed mozzarella cheese.

  • If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, regular dried tomatoes will work fine. Just place about ¼ cup of the dried tomatoes in a small bowl with about 2 or 3 tablespoons of boiling water. Let sit for about 10 minutes, drain any excess water, then proceed with the recipe.

  • Serve this dish with a side salad and crusty bread.

Comments

chacha
chacha
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4/7/2008 - 4:44PM
Report Abuse 		I loved this pasta dish (I made it without the olives.) I think it might even be good for you so that's a plus.
Valle
Valle
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4/7/2008 - 7:34AM
Report Abuse 		Kids loved it, and even ate some of the broccoli :-)
gailc
gailc
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12/21/2007 - 9:18PM
Report Abuse 		This was easy and came out well. We originally ate it warm, but then we had the leftovers the next day cold, which worked as well.


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