Food & Drink

How To Make Pasta Primavera With The Microwave Gourmet

Typically a time-intensive dish, pasta primavera has been given the Microwave Gourmet treatment by chef Barbara Kafka. Now it's easy to prepare pasta primavera in about a half-hour. Enlarge

How To Make Pasta Primavera With The Microwave Gourmet

Typically a time-intensive dish, pasta primavera has been given the Microwave Gourmet treatment by chef Barbara Kafka. Now it's easy to prepare pasta primavera in about a half-hour.

Step 1: You Will Need:

  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chopping knife
  • 2 microwaveable measuring cups or bowls
  • 1 microwave-safe plastic wrap

Step 2: Make The Cream Sauce

Put butter in a microwavable measuring cup or bowl and add the cream. Cover and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Make The Tomato Sauce

Combine crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, parsley, and small pinch of hot pepper. Cover and cook in microwave for 1 minute.

Step 4: Boil The Pasta

Boil pasta on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook.

Step 5: Assemble And Cook The Vegetables

Arrange vegetables in a microwavable pie plate so that the densest ones are on the outside: First the broccoli, then string beans, zucchini, asparagus, with mushrooms and peppers in a mound in the middle. Cover completely with plastic and microwave for 5 minutes. After cooking, puncture the plastic and carefully let steam escape. Do not let the plastic touch the food. Vegetables should be brightly colored and tender.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Combine cooked pasta in a large bowl with both sauces and Parmesan if desired. Toss. Add the vegetables on top and toss again. Serve piping hot.