Garden Pasta

Bursting with the vibrant flavors of summer, Garden Pasta is a quick and wholesome recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a colorful, veggie-packed delight. This dish combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh garden vegetables, including sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp zucchini, and sunny yellow bell peppers, all sautéed to perfection in fragrant garlic olive oil. Baby spinach adds a touch of leafy goodness, while fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice provide a refreshing brightness. Tossed with grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, this light yet satisfying meal is ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, Garden Pasta is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients done right. Great for those seeking a fresh, seasonal dinner idea!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 lemon, juiced

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 and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.

Step 4

Toss in the baby spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped basil, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1159.9 grams (1159.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1234

Total Fat 58.50g	75%
Saturated Fat 15.10g	76%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 1940mg	84%
Total Carbohydrate 136.00g	49%
Dietary Fiber 16.00g	57%
Total Sugars 18.00g
Protein 45.40g	91%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 727mg	56%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 1699mg	36%

*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: 42.0%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 43.4%