150gramspenne pasta1.5 cups or use 100 grams pasta for more saucy pasta
2tablespoonsbutterdivided
1smallred oniondiced or chopped
1mediumred peppersliced
1/2cupsweet cornfrozen, I add this to hot water for 10 minutes before using in the recipe
3/4cupbroccoli floretsoptional, small florets
1tablespoonolive oil
4-5largegarlic clovesfinely chopped
1.5tablespoonall purpose flouralso known as maida
2cupsmilkroom temperature, I used whole milk
1/4cupheavy creamoptional, you can also use just use milk, cream makes it more creamier
1teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoonItalian seasoning
1/2teaspoonred chili flakes
saltto taste, around 1/2 teaspoon
black pepperto taste
1/4cupgrated cheeseoptional, you can use mozzarella or cheddar, cheese makes it richer
Instructions
Boil the pasta according to instructions on the package. I used regular penne pasta which was supposed to be boiled for 9 to 11 minutes. and drain. Make sure you don't overcook your pasta, you want it al-dente. Note: use only 1 cup pasta if you like more sauce in your pasta. While the pasta is boiling chop all the veggies.Once the pasta is boiled, drain it using a colander and set aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan on medium heat. Add all the veggies - onion, red pepper, broccoli florets and sweet corn. You can use other veggies like carrots, peas as well.Cook the veggies for 2 minutes and then remove on a plate.
To another pan or you can use the same pan, now add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the 5-6 chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Then add in the flour. Whisk the flour continuously, using a wire whisk for around 30 to 60 seconds. You don't have to brown the flour much.
Then add in the milk. You can also add 1/4 cup heavy cream here or use additional 1/4 cup milk. Mix everything using a wire whisk so that there are no lumps formed.
Add in the seasonings: Italian seasonings, dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt and black pepper. Mix in everything and let the sauce simmer.
Sauce will thicken as it simmers and in 4 to 5 minutes it will coat the back of the spoon. Turn heat to lowest.
Add in the veggies and the boiled pasta back into the pan. Toss until the pasta and veggies are coated with the sauce. Taste test and adjust the seasonings at this point. Serve warm!
Notes
Add veggies of choice. I often add green peppers, carrots and peas. Even mushrooms would go well.
You can add some parmesan cheese before serving.
Skip cream and cheese to keep this simple. I often make it that way and it comes out just as good. Adding some cream and cheese just makes it extra rich.
This pasta is best served immediately. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator. Re-heat in microwave on in a pan on medium heat.
Make sure you don't overcook your pasta. Follow the instructions of the package to make it al-dente.
Amount of seasoning and type of seasoning used can be adjusted to preference.