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.
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You Will Need:
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Step 1:
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Make The Cream Sauce
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Put butter in a microwavable measuring cup or bowl and add the cream. Cover and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes.
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Step 2:
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Make The Tomato Sauce
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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.
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Step 3:
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Boil The Pasta
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Boil pasta on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook.
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Step 4:
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Assemble And Cook The Vegetables
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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.
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Step 5:
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Combine Ingredients
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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.