Pasta is one of those magical comfort foods that can be both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a busy professional, a college student, or just someone who loves quick, wholesome meals, this easy vegetarian pasta recipe is a must-try.
Bursting with fresh vegetables, vibrant flavors, and a touch of herbs, it’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch. The best part?
It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it accessible even on your busiest days.
This recipe is designed to be flexible and forgiving, ideal for using whatever veggies you have on hand. From bell peppers to zucchini, spinach to cherry tomatoes, the colorful medley not only adds nutrition but also a delightful variety of textures.
Plus, it’s completely plant-based and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. So, if you’re looking for a fuss-free, tasty, and healthy pasta dish, keep reading!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, this pasta recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something wholesome fast.
Vegetable-Packed: Loaded with fresh seasonal veggies, it’s a delicious way to sneak more greens into your diet.
Flexible & Customizable: Use whatever vegetables or pasta shapes you have on hand. It’s a recipe that adapts to your pantry and preferences.
Healthy and Flavorful: With a simple garlic and herb sauce, this dish is light yet satisfying, without any heavy cream or cheese.
If you love easy vegetarian meals, you might also enjoy our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Dry Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) | 12 ounces (340 grams) | Choose your favorite shape |
Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons | Extra virgin for best flavor |
Garlic Cloves | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh for aroma and taste |
Red Bell Pepper | 1 medium, diced | Adds sweetness and color |
Zucchini | 1 medium, sliced into half-moons | Provides texture and moisture |
Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | For a burst of juiciness |
Baby Spinach | 2 cups, loosely packed | Fresh greens for nutrition |
Salt | To taste | Adjust as needed |
Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) | For a little heat, optional |
Dried Italian Herbs | 1 teaspoon | Or use fresh basil and oregano |
Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Brightens the flavors |
Fresh Basil Leaves | Handful, chopped | For garnish and aroma |
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander for draining pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to release their juices.
- Add the baby spinach and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Toss everything together gently. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. This adds a lovely brightness to the dish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
“Use seasonal vegetables to keep this recipe fresh and exciting all year round. Feel free to swap bell peppers for asparagus or broccoli, and add mushrooms or olives for extra flavor.”
Make it vegan comfort food: For a creamy twist, stir in 1/4 cup of unsweetened plant-based cream or coconut milk at the end. Alternatively, sprinkle with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
Boost protein: Add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or tofu cubes to make this dish even more filling.
Change the pasta: Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or legume-based pasta for added nutrition and texture.
For more inspiration on plant-based meals, check out our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or try the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for a lovely side.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 65 grams |
Protein | 10 grams |
Fat | 8-10 grams |
Fiber | 7 grams |
Sodium | 350 mg (varies with added salt) |
Serving Suggestions
This easy vegetarian pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of homemade soup, such as a High Protein Vegan Soup or a light vegetable broth.
For an elegant dinner, garnish with toasted pine nuts and shaved vegan parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This dish also works wonderfully as a leftover lunch, tasting even better as the flavors meld overnight.
Conclusion
This easy pasta recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed vegetarian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity makes it approachable for cooks of all levels, while its vibrant medley of vegetables ensures you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
The balance of fresh garlic, herbs, and lemon juice gives it a bright, satisfying flavor that’s perfect for any season.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding family and friends, this pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and add-ins to keep it fresh and exciting.
For more tasty vegetarian and vegan recipe ideas, explore our other favorites like the Recipe Vegetarian Chopped Liver Made Easy and Delicious or the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Pasta Recipe Veg
Description: A quick and delicious vegetarian pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and peas; cook for another 3 minutes.
- Drain pasta and add it to the pan with vegetables.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs; toss well.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 55 g
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