[garstar]

I'm having a dinner party and we're serving a pasta bar... I hate veggies in my pasta, but I want to have some for everyone.


So, what are good (cheaper) veggies, and how do I cook them? Cold? Warm? I have zero idea about veggies - so PLEASE help me out!

Also, any other suggestions for toppings would be great. So far we have 2 types of pasta, and an Alfredo sauce, a red sauce. Toppings so far are breaded chicken, cheese/Parmesan, and... maybe meatballs I'm thinking...

We're also having a huge salad and garlic bread.

ANY help would be great!

[mandalinn82]

When I make pasta, it always has strips of bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini. Sometimes I also add strips of eggplant. I cook these up until soft. Soooo good. I like them in strips because it sort of mimics the shape of long pastas, which makes them mesh into the dish better. I'd serve these warm, just after cooking. Usually I throw them into a saute pan with cooking spray, cook until they start to brown around the edges, then add a spash of chicken broth, cover, reduce the heat, and steam.

[Here we go again]

I love boiled squash, zuchinni, mushrooms in my pasta. I cut them up put some garlic seasoning on them, boil them in water for 10 min. It goes really good with alfredo sauce.... shrimp and chicken is a good topping for Alfredo too.

For a more healthy alternative, I do a can of Italian recipe stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, chicken sausage, 1 tbls of sour cream, garlic and Italian seasoning and serve over pasta. It's really good!

[xdominic89x]

I like mushrooms and steamed broccoli in mine. Yum.

[Lovely]

Don't forget broccoli! I love big chunks of broccoli in my pasta. It makes it feel like a bigger meal.

I usually steam it, but I prefer it not be soggy, so it's done when it's getting more flexible, but still firm.

[shantroy]

I second the bell peppers. I also like aspargus in mine. Mushrooms are a good choice too. Diced tomatos can be good too.

[garstar]

How would I cook the mushrooms? I think i'm going to do some peppers, broccoli,and mushrooms... steam the broccoli - I have a good recipie for the peppers.... but the mushrooms???

[Lovely]

Mushrooms can be sauteed in a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Very tasty that way.

[misspiggy408]

Mushrooms, zuchinnis, onions, peppers, maybe even small pieces of brocolli - all cooked.

[JulieJ08]

Everything already mentioned - except roasted

[joyra]

With creamy sauces I eat broccoli.

With tomato sauces I put in cheapie mixed veggies - carrots, green beans, corn, peas blend

When someone else cooks, I like mushrooms & sundried tomatoes.

[hiimnatalie]

dont forget spinach! spinich with cut up tomatoes is awesome in a pasta dish.