Graham Kerr's Creamy Pasta Primavera

Cook the penne according to the package directions, drain and set aside. Keep warm.

Steam the vegetables in the following order: Start with the cauliflower and carrots and steam for 5 minutes; add the broccoli and zucchini to the same steamer and steam for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside (but not for too long).

Just before serving, in a medium-sized saucepan make the Basic White Sauce (see link) and stir in the basil and the cheese. Remove 1 cup and set aside.

To Serve: Put the penne in a large hot bowl, pour in the sauce from the saucepan and toss the penne until well coated. (This is not globs and globs of sauce; each piece of penne is perfectly coated and glistens.) Divide the sauced pasta among individual dinner plates and surround with a colorful crescent of vegetables. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and dust with the Parmesan cheese. A little coarsely ground black pepper adds visual interest and a zesty bite to each forkful.