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11-05 Pellegrino Pasta

Italian stir-fry might be the best name for this but we named it after the man who first cooked it for us about 12 years ago. So easy and so delicious. It became a favorite dish for feeding guests.
When I asked him for the recipe, he looked at me quizzically. This was just something his Italian family throws together with whatever was on hand. As I have developed my cooking skills, I find this to be true. Don't be hesitant to experiment, substitute and add to this basic recipe.
This is also the recipe that helped me learn to like colored bell peppers. =)

Prepare 1 lb of pasta, medium shapes, in boiling, salted water
Meanwhile sauté:
olive oil
1/2 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1/2 colored bell pepper
if adding a meat, do so here - pancetta, bacon, ham, pepperoni, etc. (chicken didn't taste as good, though its fine served next to a chicken)
stir occasionally and cook until softened and glistening, then add softer vegetables like:
2 zucchini, chopped
2 crook neck squash, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped or sun dried tomatoes in oil
Stir and cook until softened, then add veggies like:
a few prepared artichoke hearts (marinated are very good)
2 T capers
8 oz baby spinach, washed
When spinach is wilted, combine all well, remove from heat and add:
a handful of pine nuts

pepper to taste, maybe even salt but not usually
Parmesan, grated
Fresh chopped basil or other Italian herbs

If you can think of anything else we have eaten this with Mckenna, be sure to comment as I haven't ever written this recipe down.

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