Brown Rice Pasta and Veggie Recipe for Healthy Meals

Brown rice pasta is a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat pasta, especially for those seeking gluten-free or whole grain options. Its nutty flavor and hearty texture make it a perfect canvas for vibrant vegetables, resulting in a wholesome, colorful, and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious home cook, or someone who simply loves exploring nutritious dishes, this brown rice pasta and veggie recipe hits all the right notes. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables, combined with the slow-digesting carbohydrates from brown rice pasta that keep you energized longer.

Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your favorite veggies or what’s in season.

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. It’s vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and can be made oil-free if desired, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.

Ready to whip up a delicious, nourishing pasta dish that everyone will love? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brown rice pasta and veggie recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s nutrient-dense, combining the benefits of whole grains and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

The brown rice pasta offers a delicate chewiness and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the vibrant, sautéed veggies.

It’s incredibly versatile. You can swap in any seasonal vegetables or whatever you have in the fridge, making it a perfect recipe to reduce food waste.

The preparation is straightforward, with minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, so it’s ideal for cooks of all skill levels.

Additionally, this dish is gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly, addressing many dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger but light enough to leave you feeling great after eating.

Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces brown rice pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, can use water or broth for oil-free)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
• Juice of half a lemon
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the brown rice pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain and rinse: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under warm water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop all vegetables as outlined in the ingredients. Keep them ready to go.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil (or a few tablespoons of vegetable broth for oil-free) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
5. Add the harder vegetables: Toss in the broccoli florets, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
6. Add the softer vegetables: Add the zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and zucchini is tender.
7. Season the veggies: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Stir to combine well, letting the flavors meld.
8. Combine pasta and greens: Add the cooked brown rice pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together gently over low heat until the spinach wilts and the pasta is heated through.
9. Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the pasta and veggies. This adds a bright, fresh note that balances the dish beautifully.
10. Serve and garnish: Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if desired for some heat.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, use fresh, seasonal vegetables and avoid overcooking them to retain their texture and nutrients.”

• Make it protein-packed: Add cooked chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a filling plant-based protein boost.
• Use different veggies: Swap out broccoli and zucchini for asparagus, mushrooms, or snap peas depending on the season.
• Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of chilli powder or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of your favorite vegan pesto or a splash of coconut cream before serving for richness.
• Oil-free option: Replace olive oil with vegetable broth or water to sauté the vegetables for a lighter version.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This brown rice pasta and veggie dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside some roasted garlic bread or a warm bowl of soup.

To add some contrasting textures, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top before serving. You can also drizzle with a bit of vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

This recipe works well as a main course or as a side to dishes like vegan meatballs or stuffed peppers.

Conclusion

Brown rice pasta combined with fresh, colorful vegetables makes for a nourishing and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Its wholesome ingredients provide a perfect balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the lemon juice and herbs brighten the dish with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe offers a flexible base to customize according to your taste and pantry staples.

Not only is it a great gluten-free alternative, but it also encourages you to enjoy more veggies in a fun and flavorful way. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out other amazing dishes like Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals, explore wholesome grains in Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, or spice things up with the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Enjoy your cooking journey!

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