Fettuccine Alfredo Primavera (Recipe)

Ingredients

4 ounces fettuccine

1 cup broccoli flowerets

1 cup cauliflowerets

1 cup sliced carrot

1 cup sliced yellow summer squash or zucchini

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 tablespoons margarine or butter

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 cup half-and-half or light cream

1 egg, well beaten

1 cup grated Romano and/or Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon snipped parsley

Steps

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven bring 3 quarts water to a boil.  Gradually add the fettuccine; reduce heat and continue to boil, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is just tender.  Drain; return the pasta to the hot pan.

2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, steam the broccoli, cauliflowerets and carrots for 4 minutes.  Add the yellow summer squash or zucchini, mushrooms and onion.  Steam for 4 minutes more.  Set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine or butter.  Add the garlic and cook until tender.  Stir in the half-and-half or light cream and cook over medium heat until the mixture is just ready to boil.

4. Stir about half of the hot mixture into the beaten egg.  Return all of the egg mixture to the saucepan; cook and stir for 2 minutes.

5. Toss the vegetables and the Romano and/or Parmesan cheese with the hot cooked fettuccine.  Transfer the mixture to a warm serving platter.  Pour the sauce over the fettuccine mixture and sprinkle with the parsley.  Serve immediately.

Tips:

Steaming helps maintain the fresh flavor of the vegetables since they actually cook in the vapor given off by boiling water instead of in the water.  If you don't have a special steamer, use a metal colander set inside a saucepan with a small amount of water.  The vegetables should be above, not touching, the water.

Mince the garlic if you prefer smaller pieces.

You can use a purchased blend of Romano and Parmesan cheeses or make your own.  Compared to Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, Romano cheese is slightly stronger in flavor and aroma.  Freshly grated Romano cheese  will have more flavor than what's typically available in a packaged container.

The variety of vegetables adds color and flavor.  You can adjust the proportions of each to match your tastes.