Easy Pasta and Vegetables

Whip up a vibrant, wholesome meal in just 30 minutes with this Easy Pasta and Vegetables recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish features tender pasta tossed with a medley of sautéed fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, all brought together with a touch of garlic and olive oil. Nutrient-packed spinach adds a hearty touch, while a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fragrant basil makes every bite irresistibly flavorful. Customizable with your favorite pasta and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, this vegetarian pasta recipe is a go-to for busy schedules. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a satisfying, family-friendly meal. Keywords: easy pasta recipe, pasta and vegetables, vegetarian pasta, quick weeknight dinner, healthy pasta dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any variety)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 count garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cups spinach, fresh
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender.

Step 4

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 5

Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil.

Step 8

Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1637.2 grams (1637.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1277

Total Fat 48.50g	62%
Saturated Fat 13.70g	69%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.70g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 4493mg	195%
Total Carbohydrate 151.90g	55%
Dietary Fiber 26.20g	94%
Total Sugars 23.10g
Protein 62.30g	125%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1043mg	80%
Iron 14mg	80%
Potassium 4708mg	100%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.8%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 47.0%