Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Adega Vegetarian Pasta Recipe — a vibrant and wholesome dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors with a vegetarian twist. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting pasta meal that’s packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a rich, savory sauce.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and taste.
Prepared with readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, the Adega Vegetarian Pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s not only nourishing but also visually stunning, making your dining experience both satisfying and enjoyable.
So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into creating this colorful, flavorful pasta that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Adega Vegetarian Pasta recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can easily swap vegetables or pasta types based on what you have on hand.
The dish is bursting with fresh herbs and spices, giving it a depth of flavor that rivals any restaurant-quality meal.
Additionally, it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. The recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to vegan by swapping a few ingredients, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Best of all, it’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger but light enough to keep you feeling energized.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and sliced zucchini. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate tomatoes and olives: Add the cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Season and simmer: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth or reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.
- Add spinach and pasta: Stir in the fresh spinach and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or artichoke hearts. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream just before serving.
For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or grilled tofu cubes.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta — keeping it al dente enhances texture and absorbs the sauce better.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Fat | 8g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Adega Vegetarian Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, such as an arugula and lemon vinaigrette salad, to balance the richness of the dish. A side of garlic bread or warm focaccia bread can add a comforting touch to the meal.
For a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner, serve alongside a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. To keep the meal light, consider a simple dessert like fresh berries or a citrus sorbet.
Conclusion
The Adega Vegetarian Pasta recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan, offering a satisfying blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and hearty pasta. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Easy to prepare and customizable, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
By embracing wholesome ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal that everyone will love. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also want to explore other vegetable-packed dishes like the Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe or try your hand at the elegant Bowtie Festival Carino’S Recipe.
For a hearty breakfast option, check out the Breakfast Wellington Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Adega Vegetarian Pasta
Description: A flavorful vegetarian pasta inspired by Portuguese flavors, featuring fresh vegetables and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add red bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 420 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 70 g
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