Pasta Primavera {with Bacon}

Like I mentioned before, I have tons and tons of zucchini and squash from our garden.
I have been trying to incorporate zucchini and/or squash recipes at dinner.
Here is a perfect summer dinner that is PACKED with veggies!
And, because I love bacon, I added it & let me tell you this...the bacon makes this meal!

Here is what you need:

- 1lb box of Pasta (I used Penne)
- 2 Carrots
- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Yellow Squash
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 container of sliced mushrooms
- Broccoli Florets
 - 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh Basil
- 2 Tablespoons of Minced Garlic
- 1 yellow onion (I used pre-diced onions because my eyes are so senstive to onions)
- 1 can of Chicken (or Veggie) Broth
- Hormel Black Label Bacon
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese

Directions:
Saute your minced garlic and diced onions in either a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter:

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the become translucent:

Chop up your broccoli & throw it in the pan:

Slice your carrots & throw those in the pan as well:

Slice up your Red Bell Pepper & put those in the pan:

Cook the broccoli, carrots & bell pepper for 2-3 minutes & then remove them from the pan & put them aside in a bowl. You don't want to over cook your veggies & have soggy veggies.

Slice up your zucchini & squash & add them to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes & then add to bowl.

Now add the sliced mushrooms to the pan & cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan & add to bowl.

Now you have a beautiful bowl of cooked veggies!

Now it's time to make the sauce (in the same pan).

Add a splash more of olive oi (or pat of buttter) I also add in another Tablespoon of minced garlice.

Pour in the chicken broth and half & half.

Stir.

Add in the parmasean cheese & stir for another minute or so.

 I also add in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.

Stir your sauce & let simmer for about 10 minutes. While it is simmering, boil your water for the pasta & cook your pasta noodles. I used penne noodles, but next time I make this I might use cheese tortellini!

After your sauce is done simmering, add all the veggies into the pan with the sauce. Also add in 1/2 cup of frozen peas.

Once your pasta is done cooking, drain the water & then add the noodles.

So colorful & delicious!

When I serve each individual plate of this, I sprinkle Hormel Black Label pre-cooked bacon on top along with more Parmesan cheese.

The bacon adds so much flavor to this dish.
This meal is perfect for Spring & Summer and a great way to get a lot of veggies into your meal.
Enjoy!

Disclosure: This post was written as part of my participation in the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, the thoughts and statements in this post are my own.