Succotash Summertime Pasta

I love a good pop of color.

When you've got a classic black dress on and add a red pair of heels or lipstick. When you have a neutral living room with bright yellow accent pillows. And when you've got a basic pasta that is covered with colorful veggies.

This dish is good for those who don't want to slave in the kitchen on a hot day, but want a satisfying and healthy meal. It's also a good way to use up whatever is in your fridge/pantry. It's my version of succotash and it's always a hit with the family. No...really...my 3 year old had 3 bowls of this stuff.

Ingredients:

1 box of penne (I used the smaller version just because it's "cuter")
2 zucchini quartered plus 2 baby zucchini from our garden (baby zucchini sliced in rounds)
3 carrots peeled and sliced in rounds
A good bunch of green beans and snap peas
1/2 a bag of frozen corn (I got an awesome bi-color organic corn from Whole Foods)
1 can of cannelini beans rinsed and drained
4 cloves of garlic minced
1 cup of chicken or veggie broth
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Red pepper flakes optional
Italian seasoning
Lemon zest

How adorable is this plate my mother in law gave my son from Portugal? Had to show it off!

Our store bought organic zucchini next to the little babies coming up in the garden.

And the homegrown beans and snap peas.

While you are prepping your veggies, start your pasta. Cook until al dente and then rinse a little under cold water and drain. I add a little oil to the pasta to prevent sticking while the veggies cook.

I slice the zucchini in quarters and then chop.

Peel your carrots and slice into rounds. Also, remove the tips of the snap peas and green beans.

Rinse and drain the beans.

Luckily we have fresh herbs to choose from. One of my favorites is this lemon thyme.

Add the chicken/veg broth to a saute pan and steam your carrots, beans and snap peas just until fork tender.

Remove the beans/snap peas and add in beans, corn, zucchini, lemon zest, minced garlic, herbs and seasonings. Cook until tender but still have a bite to them.

Now add everything to the pasta and this meal is done in less than 30 minutes! Relish in this delicious dinner and then get back out to enjoying those beautiful summer nights!