If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful way to enjoy your veggies and pasta, Betty Crocker vegetable pasta recipes are a fantastic choice. These recipes combine the simplicity and convenience of Betty Crocker pasta products with vibrant, fresh vegetables to create meals that are both satisfying and wholesome.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a weeknight dinner for yourself, these vegetable pasta recipes offer a delicious way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet without sacrificing taste or time.
From creamy vegetable pasta to zesty tomato-based dishes loaded with colorful veggies, Betty Crocker’s versatile pasta mixes make cooking effortless and fun. In this blog post, you’ll discover multiple vegetable pasta recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion.
Let’s dive in and explore these delightful recipes that will quickly become staples in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Betty Crocker vegetable pasta recipes are beloved for several reasons:
- Convenience: Using Betty Crocker pasta products saves prep time, making these recipes ideal for busy weekdays.
- Nutrition: Loaded with fresh vegetables, these dishes provide a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Flavorful: Each recipe is designed to balance the subtle taste of pasta with bold vegetable flavors and seasonings.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish, side, or even a potluck contribution, these recipes can be adapted to your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: These dishes appeal to both kids and adults, making it easier to get everyone excited about eating veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker pasta mix (such as Vegetable Rotini or Vegetable Shells)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or fresh basil and oregano)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or pasta cooking water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander or strainer
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grater for cheese (if using)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Betty Crocker pasta mix and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but still crisp. If the pan becomes too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or reserved pasta water to keep everything moist.
- Season the veggies: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together gently, adding a little more reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Add cheese and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss lightly until the cheese melts slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve warm: Plate the vegetable pasta immediately while it’s warm and flavorful. Enjoy as a main course or alongside your favorite protein.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Adding mushrooms, spinach, or peas can add extra nutrients and color.”
- Make it vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or grilled tempeh for a heartier meal.
- Change the sauce: Swap olive oil and herbs for a tomato-based sauce or a light pesto for different flavor profiles.
- Use frozen vegetables: When fresh veggies aren’t available, frozen broccoli, peppers, and mixed vegetable blends work perfectly.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend can add a smoky, spicy twist.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin A | 30% DV |
| Vitamin C | 70% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Betty Crocker vegetable pasta with a fresh green salad or steamed greens for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette pairs wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce.
For a lighter option, enjoy this pasta warm or cold as a pasta salad. Toss with a little lemon juice and extra olive oil, then chill for a few hours before serving at picnics or potlucks.
Looking to explore more vegetarian dishes? Check out these delicious recipes: A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.
Betty Crocker Vegetable Pasta Recipes You’ll Adore
Creamy Spinach and Vegetable Rotini
This recipe turns Betty Crocker Vegetable Rotini into a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Ingredients: Betty Crocker Vegetable Rotini, fresh spinach, mushrooms, garlic, low-fat cream cheese, vegetable broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Cook pasta and sauté mushrooms, garlic, and spinach. Stir in cream cheese and broth to make a creamy sauce, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then combine with pasta.
Zesty Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this dish features sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, and Betty Crocker Vegetable Shells.
- Ingredients: Betty Crocker Vegetable Shells, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
- Instructions: Cook pasta, then toss with sautéed garlic, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with lemon juice and fresh basil for a bright, tangy flavor.
Spicy Vegetable Penne with Tomato Sauce
A fiery twist on a classic tomato pasta featuring Betty Crocker Vegetable Penne and a homemade spicy tomato sauce.
- Ingredients: Betty Crocker Vegetable Penne, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili flakes, bell peppers, zucchini, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Prepare the pasta, cook the vegetables and sauce in a skillet, season with chili flakes for heat, and combine with the pasta.
Conclusion
Betty Crocker vegetable pasta recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy the best of both worlds — the ease and reliability of packaged pasta combined with the nutrition and freshness of vibrant vegetables. These recipes are perfect for those who want to eat healthily but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless variations, you can customize these dishes to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you prefer a creamy pasta, a bright Mediterranean dish, or a spicy tomato-based meal, Betty Crocker’s vegetable pasta recipes offer something for everyone. Plus, with links to more vegetarian and vegan recipes throughout this post, you’ll never run out of inspiration for wholesome, delicious meals.
Give these recipes a try and elevate your pasta nights to new, flavorful heights!
📖 Recipe Card: Betty Crocker Vegetable Pasta
Description: A quick and easy vegetable pasta recipe packed with fresh veggies and a light tomato sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
- Pour in marinara sauce; simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 55 g
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