Writing out recipes for this blog is time-consuming, but one of the main reasons, why I started it. I wanted to create a space with easy access to our family’s favorite foods. It also makes sharing recipes, much easier. This Fresh Italian Garden Pasta is an absolute favorite for all of us! It’s the most requested meal, especially for birthdays.

We actually refer to this meal as Russ’s Pasta. Kurt’s brother Russ, lived in Italy for a few years, serving a mission for our church; when he came home he made this for his family. It’s been a favorite ever since! Check out the recipe below, for everything you need to enjoy this delicious meal.

Fresh Italian Garden Pasta

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 8 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

3 zucchini (chopped)
4 oz. turkey sausage crumbles (fully cooked)
16 oz. penne pasta (1 box)
10 oz. cherry tomatoes (I prefer the Cherub snacking tomatoes; 1 dry pint)
8 oz. mozzarella cheese (cubed) (I like the BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Cheese pearls, but a regular block of Mozzarella works fine)
6 oz. olives (1 can)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp basil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Method

Start by chopping the zucchini and adding it to a skillet with 1 tbsp of warmed olive oil.
Sautee the zucchini over medium heat for 10 minutes, until softened.
Add water to a pot and set over medium to high heat. Once the water starts to boil, add pasta. Follow the instructions on the box for boil time (usually 9-11 minutes).
Add sausage crumbles to the zucchini, until warmed through.
Drain pasta.
While the zucchini and sausage mix are sauteeing, and the pasta is boiling. Prep the mozzarella cheese (cube, if not using the pearls), wash the cherry tomatoes, and drain and rinse the olives.
Put the drained pasta in a large bowl, then add the zucchini and sausage. Top with tomatoes, olives, cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Using tongs, stir to combine and serve.

For an incredible addition to this meal check out this Pull-Apart Italian Asiago Bubble Bread recipe by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. A brief warning, her whole blog will suck you in. All the food she makes looks and tastes amazing! She also makes a lot of healthy recipes, and everything is fairly basic to make.

Putting everything together for this Fresh Italian Garden Pasta is quick, simple, and healthy. Also, the combination of flavors tastes so good. No wonder we all love it! It makes a great lunch or dinner meal, and is easy to modify for a crowd. If you try it out, let me know what you think.

Sincerely,

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