1 (1 lb.) box wheat penne noodles
1 1/2 handfuls fresh spinach
2 nice size tomatoes
1 medium size purple onion
8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. minced garlic (or how much garlic you like)
extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

In a medium or large saucepan you want to boil your water, after it is boiling you want to add your penne. While your penne is cooking you want to prepare your veggies. Wash your tomatoes and mushrooms well to make sure all the germs and extra junk is off. Then you want to cut your tomatoes into wedges. You can cut them into thick wedges or thinner wedges - whatever you like. Then go ahead and cut your onion. You want to make sure you don't chop the onion, you want it in strips (like an onion ring cut in half). With your spinach it will be best to buy the bag spinach that is in the bagged salad isle in your local supermarket.

After all the veggies are rinsed and cut put them in a medium or large mixing bowl (make sure you keep checking your pasta to make sure its not over cooking!) then put your tablespoon of minced garlic in with the veggies and then drizzle with olive oil. Then stir together. do not over do it with the oil - just make sure you have enough to keep the noodles moist but not to much where they are greasy and not to little to make them dry).

After your noodles are done you want to drain them off and rinse with luke warm water. After you have rinsed your noodles place them back into the saucepan then get you veggie and garlic mixture and dump the whole thing in with the noodles. Stir the noodles and veggies very well to make sure the noodles are coated with the oil to prevent drying out. If the noodles look a little dry then drizzle just a tab bit more oil - NOT TOO MUCH!!

After you have mixed everything together you can now enjoy your pasta!

Note: You can also serve cold if you would like to make it more like a pasta salad - its up to you.

Add salt if your would like to make it a little better. I always do!! :)

To really kick it up get some fresh or bagged shredded Mozzarella cheese and sprinkle on top.

Submitted by: Jerrica Reese