Description
A vibrant and fresh pasta dish packed with colorful vegetables and a light sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, and can be served with a creamy or non-creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 small broccoli head, cut into florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add the Veggies:
Add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy. - Add the Peas and Tomatoes:
Stir in the peas and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. - Make the Sauce:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. For a creamy version, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. - Toss with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for added freshness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- You can add protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg