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A colorful dish of vegetable pasta filled with fresh ingredients and herbs.

Vegetable Pasta

A colorful and flavorful dish featuring seasonal vegetables and pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Vegetarian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingrédients
  

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini
  • ½ cup sliced carrots
  • ½ cup sliced red onion

Flavorings and Oils

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • to taste fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and measure out the pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes, reserving a cup of the cooking water before draining.

Sautéing Vegetables

  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Toss in the sliced red onions, carrots, and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.

Adding Remaining Veggies

  • Add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini into the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combining and Serving

  • Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the vegetable mixture to create a silky sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, mixing until the cheese melts.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Keyword Customizable Recipe, Healthy Pasta, quick dinner, Seasonal Vegetables, Vegetable Pasta