Alphabet pasta is not only fun and nostalgic, but it also makes for a comforting and nutritious vegetarian meal that the whole family will enjoy. This delightful dish combines the playful shapes of alphabet pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a rich tomato base to create a wholesome bowl of goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or simply craving a light yet satisfying dinner, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches.
Dive into this hearty vegetarian alphabet pasta recipe and discover how simple ingredients can transform into a heartwarming meal that sparks joy with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian alphabet pasta recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity, nutrition, and fun. The alphabet-shaped pasta adds an element of whimsy that is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
Loaded with vibrant veggies and seasoned with aromatic herbs, the dish is both flavorful and wholesome. It’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free options are easy to incorporate, and it’s a perfect canvas for customization—whether adding your favorite cheese or extra protein.
Best of all, this recipe is a great way to introduce more plant-based meals into your weekly rotation without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 1 cup alphabet pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
Equipment
- Large saucepan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander (for draining pasta, if needed)
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the garlic, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the alphabet pasta directly to the saucepan.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the lid and check the consistency. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
Always keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to prevent overcooking and turning mushy. Stir gently to avoid breaking the delicate alphabet shapes.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or cream towards the end of cooking. You can also toss in chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans along with the tomatoes. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the alphabet pasta with a gluten-free variety or use small rice or corn pasta shapes.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Vitamin A | 35% DV |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This alphabet pasta is perfect as a standalone meal, especially on chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth.
Pair it with a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans for a more complete dinner. For a fun twist, let kids sprinkle their own cheese or fresh herbs on top to customize their bowls.
Don’t forget to check out other vegetarian-friendly recipes on our blog, such as the Bread And Gravy Recipe for a cozy side or the vibrant Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe to complement your meal.
Conclusion
Alphabet pasta is more than just a cute meal; it’s a hearty, nourishing dish that brings both joy and comfort to the table. This vegetarian recipe provides a wonderful way to enjoy a wholesome bowl packed with fresh vegetables and delicious flavors, all while keeping the cooking process simple and straightforward.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Plus, with countless possibilities for customization, you can make it your own every time.
Don’t hesitate to explore other creative vegetarian recipes like our Best Spg Seasoning Recipe for added flavor or the comforting Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes to keep your menu exciting.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with alphabet pasta, and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Alphabet Pasta Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A fun and easy vegetarian alphabet pasta recipe perfect for kids and adults alike. Made with simple ingredients and packed with veggies for a healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add diced bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
- Add alphabet pasta, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cook pasta in the sauce until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 38 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Alphabet Pasta Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fun and easy vegetarian alphabet pasta recipe perfect for kids and adults alike. Made with simple ingredients and packed with veggies for a healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup alphabet pasta”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/2 cup chopped spinach”, “1/2 cup diced bell peppers”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon dried oregano”, “2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add alphabet pasta, salt, pepper, and oregano.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook pasta in the sauce until tender, about 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “8 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}