Pasta salads are a must-have for summer picnics and backyard bashes. They’re usually quick to toss together and are perfect for make-and-take. But they sometimes have a reputation for being boring or bland. That’s why I’m a big fan of this Warm Antipasto Penne Toss recipe. It speeds to the table in just 30 minutes. And we have a few tricks to make it even tastier.
We start with ziti, but almost any pasta shape will work for this dish. Try gemelli, rotini, orecchiette or a stuffed variety like tortellini. Browning pepperoni makes it deliciously crispy. Plus, the slices releases their own oil so there’s no need to add any extra. We use the rendered drippings to sauté zucchini. It infuses the veggie with smoky deliciousness. Then bottled vinaigrette and store-bought pesto come together to make a flavor-packed dressing. Parmesan adds a nutty note while sweet basil delivers a peppery finish. Give it a try, then let us know what you think.
Yields
Total Time
Prep Time
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 8 (oz.) ziti pasta
- 1 cup diced pepperoni (4 oz.)
- 1 zucchini (8 oz.), cut into 1/4"-thick slices
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil & vinegar salad dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
PrintIn pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions; reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Drain pasta. Transfer to bowl.
Meanwhile, in 12" nonstick skillet, cook pepperoni over medium heat, stirring occasionally,until lightly browned, 4–5 min. With slotted spoon, transfer to bowl with pasta.
In drippings in skillet, cook zucchini, flipping once, until browned and crisp-tender, 2–4 min. per side. Add to bowl with and pepperoni and pasta. Add tomatoes, pesto, dressing and reserved cooking liquid; gently toss until coated and combined. Sprinkle with Parmesan and top with basil.
This recipe originally appeared in our print magazine.
Nutrition
- Calories: 555
- Total Fat: 31 gram
- Saturated Fat: 9 gram
- Protein: 19 gram
- Carbohydrates: 49 gram
- Fiber: 4 gram
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sugar: 6 gram
- Sodium: 857 mg
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