Campanelle Pasta Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious Ideas

Campanelle pasta, with its charming bellflower shape, is a delightful canvas for vegetarian dishes. Its unique ruffled edges beautifully capture sauces, making every bite a flavorful experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this campanelle pasta recipe is a perfect choice. Loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a luscious creamy sauce, it offers a comforting yet vibrant meal that will impress both family and friends.

This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. The ingredients celebrate the freshness of seasonal produce, enhanced by the aromatic notes of garlic and basil.

Plus, it’s completely meat-free without sacrificing any taste or texture. Read on to discover why this vegetarian campanelle pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This campanelle pasta recipe stands out because it combines texture, flavor, and nutrition in one bowl. The bellflower-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every forkful bursts with flavor.

It’s packed with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers, delivering vitamins and antioxidants with every bite.

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will appreciate the creamy yet light sauce made from a blend of olive oil, garlic, and a touch of parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.

Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a year-round favorite.

For those interested in exploring more pasta dishes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for another fresh and vibrant vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 12 oz campanelle pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan parmesan alternative)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for crunch)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for cheese)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the campanelle pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta in a colander.
2. Sauté the garlic and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes: Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the peppers start to become tender.
4. Incorporate spinach and seasonings: Add the chopped spinach, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained campanelle pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
6. Finish with cheese and lemon: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss to combine thoroughly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“To prevent the pasta from sticking, always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to campanelle’s ruffled edges.”

• Make it vegan: Swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost.
• Seasonal veggies: Feel free to switch out bell peppers and spinach for zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms depending on what you have available.
• Herb variety: Use fresh thyme or oregano if you don’t have basil.
• Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian campanelle pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Try a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

For an elegant touch, serve with a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

For other delicious vegetarian bites to accompany this dish, check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or try a refreshing palate cleanser like the Lemon Straws Recipe.

Conclusion

This campanelle pasta recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal. Its beautiful presentation, combined with the fresh taste of garden vegetables and a creamy sauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

The versatility of campanelle pasta means you can easily customize it to your taste preferences or whatever is in season. Plus, the recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve when you want to indulge.

Don’t forget to explore more pasta inspiration with our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food to keep your meals exciting and fresh.

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