A Delicious and Easy Veggie Pasta Recipe
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy weekend lunch. It's packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a light, zesty sauce. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to customize to your liking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound pasta (your favorite shape – penne, rotini, or farfalle work great!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started:
- 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.
Sautéing the Vegetables:
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Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the veggies: Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash to the skillet. Cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Bringing it all Together:
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, chickpeas, lentils, or white beans.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Get creative with veggies: Feel free to substitute other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, carrots, spinach, or broccoli.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
Why This Veggie Pasta Recipe is a Winner:
This recipe is a perfect example of healthy eating. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also a budget-friendly option, utilizing affordable ingredients. Furthermore, it's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and what you have on hand. This makes it a great recipe for meal prepping!
This easy veggie pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
