A Delicious and Easy Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful pasta dish? Look no further! This vegetable pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. It's packed with fresh vegetables, vibrant colors, and a delicious sauce that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is also easily customizable to your liking – feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta shape (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well).
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Remaining Vegetables: Add the zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season and Serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Asparagus, spinach, carrots, and eggplant all work well.
- Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese at the end.
- Make it Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Why This Recipe is Great:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking with different vegetables and protein additions.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy vegetable pasta! Let me know in the comments how your version turned out!
