Photo: Courtesy of Pixelated Crumb

There is so much that I love about this recipe from local blogger Pixelated Crumb. I think you’ll love it, too.

First, any quick pasta dish that is flavorful, nutritious and an all-in-one kind of meal using things you’ve likely got in your frig already is a quadruple WIN. Italians call such a dish una pastaciutta – a light, fast, easy and satisfying pasta meal. I aim for these when I have no idea what to make my own family for dinner, and that time is fast approaching (as in the day before yesterday, when I wove together orzo with asparagus, onion and pancetta).

Another bonus of this recipe I’m about to introduce: if you celebrate Easter, tomorrow is Good Friday, which means no meat. Here, then, is a perfect vegetable and legume meal to try out: Pixelated Crumb’s Penne with roasted tomatoes, garlic and white beans. I love the addition of fresh lemon juice to the recipe; it’s not a flavor I would think to add when tomatoes are involved, so I am intrigued. Kristen seems to be spot-on when she says, “[t]he lemon adds a nice tang to the sweet, rich flavor from the roasted tomatoes and garlic.” 

Add bread and salad to the table, and you’ve got a feast.

Want dessert? Just TRY to get past Pixelated Crumb’s home page and her (mostly) slimming chocolate angel food cake.