Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 14 cup diced onion
  • 14 cup diced celery
  • 14 cup diced leek
  • 14 cup diced deribbed savoy cabbage
  • 14 cup diced zucchini
  • 14 cup diced ripe plum tomatoes or 14 cup roma tomato
  • salt
  • fresh ground white pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 12 cups dry white italian wine
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaf
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaf
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 lb dry penne pasta
  • 34 cup grated pecorino romano cheese, divided

Method

  • In a covered pasta pot over high heat, bring water to a rapid boil.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion, celery, leek, cabbage, zucchini, tomato, and salt/pepper to taste; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Add water and cook until reduced by half.
  • Add parsley, basil, sage, and oregano; stir well.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • While sauce is cooking, add salt and penne to boiling water and cook, uncovered, over high heat until pasta is al dente.
  • Scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside; drain pasta.
  • Return vegetable mixture to high heat.
  • Add 2 T of the reserved pasta water and the penne.
  • Using a wooden spoon, toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if necessary.
  • Add half of the Pecorino Romano and toss well.
  • Transfer to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with remaining cheese; serve immediately.