Penne With Red Pepper Sauce and Broccoli

Adapted from Rocking F Farm.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 hot pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• reserved pasta cooking water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch broccoli, flowers and stems peeled and diced
• 1/2 pound mini penne
• 1/4 cup grated veggie Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

METHOD:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in large skillet
• Add onions and saute about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions soften
• Add garlic, red bell pepper and hot pepper
• Lower heat and continue to cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes
• Set aside to cool
• Steam broccoli about 7-10 minutes until tender
• In water used to steam broccoli, cook mini penne for 7 minutes
• While penne is cooking, put sauteed vegetables in blender, add balsamic vinegar, salt, remaining tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 - 1/2 cup pasta cooking water; blend until smooth
• Drain penne, return penne to pot and stir in red pepper sauce
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, steamed broccoli and basil
• Add more salt and pepper to taste if necessary