There’s something truly delightful about a vibrant plate of pasta that bursts with color, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. Barilla’s tri color rotini is the perfect canvas for creating vegetable pasta recipes that are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition and taste.
Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this pasta shape holds sauces and vegetables beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience. In this post, we’ll explore some delicious Barilla vegetable pasta recipes using tri color rotini that are easy to prepare, healthy, and sure to become staples in your kitchen.
From fresh garden vegetables to rich, savory sauces, these recipes celebrate the best of what plant-based cooking has to offer. Plus, tri color rotini adds a fun twist with its colorful spirals that brighten up any dish.
Ready to dive into these flavorful, nutritious recipes? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Using Barilla tri color rotini elevates your pasta dishes with its unique spiral shape that captures sauces and bits of vegetables perfectly. The tri color pasta itself is made with natural vegetable powders, adding subtle hints of spinach, tomato, and beet to the dish, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
These recipes are versatile, easy to customize, and packed with fresh vegetables, making them a great choice for both vegetarians and anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals. They come together quickly, require minimal ingredients, and offer balanced nutrition.
Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or family dinners where everyone’s taste buds will be satisfied.
Ingredients
- 1 box Barilla Tri Color Rotini pasta (12 oz)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander or strainer
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowl or plates
Instructions
- Cook the tri color rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Barilla tri color rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Sauté the veggies: Add diced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but still crisp.
- Add cherry tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Season the dish: Add salt, black pepper, red chili flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Finish with olives and basil: Stir in the sliced black olives and fresh basil just before serving.
- Optional cheese topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve warm: Transfer to serving bowls or plates and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
“To keep your pasta vibrant and fresh, toss it with a little olive oil after draining to prevent sticking.”
- Make it vegan: Skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan alternatives available in stores.
- Load up on veggies: Add mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli for more variety and nutrition.
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas, cannellini beans, or your favorite plant-based protein for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a homemade chili powder blend for an extra kick. Check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan for a flavorful spice mix.
- Use fresh herbs: Try parsley, oregano, or thyme in place of basil to give the dish a different herbaceous note.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for a luscious texture. For inspiration, see our Best Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce Recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 60 g |
Protein | 10 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 250 mg |
Vitamin A | 20% DV |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This colorful tri color rotini vegetable pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread. For a light and refreshing option, serve alongside a lemony arugula salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
For a heartier meal, consider adding a bowl of soup like a classic minestrone or a creamy tomato bisque. You might also want to complement it with some roasted vegetables or a simple bruschetta to round out your Italian-inspired dinner.
Looking for more vibrant vegetarian ideas? Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and explore exciting ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals.
More Barilla Vegetable Pasta Recipes with Tri Color Rotini
Mediterranean Tri Color Rotini Salad
This chilled pasta salad is perfect for picnic days or as a refreshing lunch option. It features Barilla tri color rotini tossed with cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 box Barilla Tri Color Rotini (12 oz), cooked and cooled
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add cooked and cooled pasta along with all the chopped vegetables.
- Toss everything gently to combine and coat with dressing.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve cold.
Creamy Avocado and Spinach Rotini
A luscious, dairy-free creamy sauce made from ripe avocados pairs beautifully with the tri color rotini and fresh spinach. This recipe is quick, nutritious, and perfect for creamy pasta lovers looking for a healthy alternative.
Ingredients
- 1 box Barilla Tri Color Rotini (12 oz), cooked
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Optional: nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend avocados, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and basil until smooth.
- Toss the cooked rotini and fresh spinach with the avocado sauce until well combined.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast if using, and serve immediately.
Roasted Vegetable Tri Color Rotini Pasta
Roasting vegetables intensifies their flavors and adds a lovely caramelized touch to this tri color rotini pasta dish. Use seasonal vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 box Barilla Tri Color Rotini (12 oz), cooked
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss eggplant, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and onion with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Combine roasted vegetables with cooked rotini and toss gently.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
For more inspiring pasta recipes that celebrate vegetables and wholesome ingredients, be sure to explore our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals and Banza Pasta Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore.
Conclusion
Barilla tri color rotini offers a fantastic base for creating vegetable-packed pasta dishes that are colorful, nutritious, and flavorful. These recipes bring together fresh produce, simple seasonings, and easy cooking techniques that anyone can master in their kitchen.
Whether you prefer a warm sautéed veggie pasta, a refreshing cold salad, or a creamy avocado sauce, tri color rotini’s spiral shape ensures every bite is perfectly coated and delicious.
Not only do these recipes make weeknight dinners a breeze, but they also provide balanced meals that are great for the whole family. Plus, the vibrant colors on your plate brighten up any meal and encourage healthy eating habits.
Dive into these recipes, customize them to your taste, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Barilla vegetable pasta recipes with tri color rotini. Don’t forget to check out more vegetable-forward dishes on our site to keep your meals exciting and nutritious!
📖 Recipe Card: Barilla Vegetable Pasta with Tri-Color Rotini
Description: A vibrant and healthy pasta dish featuring Barilla tri-color rotini tossed with fresh vegetables and a light garlic olive oil sauce. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz Barilla tri-color rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to skillet, toss to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 58 g
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