bow pasta and vegetables recipe all recipes Bow Pasta and Vegetables Recipe | All Recipes Guide

Bow pasta, also known as farfalle, is a versatile and fun-shaped pasta that pairs beautifully with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

The vibrant vegetables add a burst of nutrition and a rainbow of colors, while the bow pasta provides a delightful bite that both kids and adults love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, adaptable, and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

What makes this dish stand out is its combination of wholesome ingredients and ease of preparation. You can customize it based on seasonal produce or what you have on hand, making it incredibly flexible.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables for the whole family. If you enjoy hearty vegetarian meals, this bow pasta and vegetables recipe will surely delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bow pasta and vegetables recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weekdays when you want something wholesome without the hassle.

The bow pasta’s unique shape holds onto the sauce and vegetables wonderfully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Secondly, it’s nutrient-dense and colorful, thanks to the variety of fresh vegetables included. You get a good mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting your health naturally.

The recipe is also very adaptable—you can add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

Lastly, it’s deliciously satisfying and can be served warm or cold, making it a versatile option for meal prep or picnics. For more wholesome vegetarian meals, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Ingredients

• 250g bow pasta (farfalle)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Juice of half a lemon
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Colander or strainer
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Citrus juicer (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the bow pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the zucchini, chop the bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables: Toss in the zucchini and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become tender.
5. Incorporate cherry tomatoes and spinach: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
6. Season and combine: Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to combine all flavors.
7. Mix pasta and veggies: Add the cooked bow pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
8. Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the pasta and vegetables, giving it a bright, fresh finish. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Optional cheese topping: If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative on top before serving.
10. Serve warm: Plate the pasta and vegetable medley immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a heartier meal, add cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and fiber.

You can swap out any of the vegetables for what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try adding roasted eggplant, mushrooms, or broccoli for variety.

For a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan cream cheese towards the end. For a dairy-free and oil-free version, steam the vegetables and toss with the cooked bow pasta and fresh herbs.

Want to experiment with flavors? Check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a spicy seasoning twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This bow pasta and vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices. For added protein, serve alongside grilled tofu, tempeh, or a light bean salad.

It also works great as a cold pasta salad for picnics or packed lunches. Simply prepare as directed but let it cool before refrigerating.

Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor when serving cold.

Explore more delicious pasta ideas in our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals collection.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this bow pasta and vegetables recipe offers an easy, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy a plant-based meal. Its flexibility allows you to customize based on your preferences or the produce available, making it a practical and flavorful choice all year round.

The combination of fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked bow pasta creates a satisfying balance of taste and texture that will please your palate and nourish your body. Plus, it’s a great way to make mealtime colorful, healthy, and fun.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy days or leisurely dinners. Don’t forget to explore other vegetarian delights like Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals to keep your menu exciting and nutritious.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bow Pasta and Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and healthy bow pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz bow tie pasta”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 cup zucchini, diced”, “1 cup bell peppers, diced”, “1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain pasta and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and red onion, saut\u00e9 for 2 minutes until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add zucchini and bell peppers, cook for 5 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}