Cheesy Italian Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Made Easy

If you’re craving a comfort meal that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Cheesy Italian Pasta with Vegetables recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Infused with the rich flavors of Italian herbs, fresh vegetables, and a luscious cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Whether you’re a vegetarian looking to add more variety to your meals or simply want a delicious pasta recipe that’s easy to prepare, this recipe has you covered.

Loaded with vibrant veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, it’s not only colorful but packed with nutrients. The creamy, cheesy sauce binds the ingredients together, creating a delightful dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Plus, it’s flexible and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this tasty Italian-inspired pasta experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Italian Pasta with Vegetables is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Nutritious and colorful: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables that add vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or cheese types based on what you have on hand.
• Comforting and cheesy: The creamy sauce brings that warm, satisfying feel you crave in Italian cuisine.
• Vegetarian-friendly: A great option for meatless meals without compromising on flavor or protein.

For more delightful vegetarian dishes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Grater for cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some bite.
4. Incorporate tomatoes and spinach: Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
5. Prepare the cheesy sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Stir well to combine and let the cream warm through for 2 minutes.
6. Add the cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy vegetable sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Tip: To elevate flavor, try roasting the bell peppers and zucchini beforehand for a smoky depth.

• Cheese alternatives: Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan cheese and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Check out our Cauliflower Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe for Easy Dips for a great dairy-free sauce idea.
• Add protein: Include cooked chickpeas or white beans to boost protein content.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of your favorite chili powder blend (learn how to make your own with our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend).
• Use whole grain pasta: For a healthier option, substitute with whole wheat or legume-based pasta such as those in our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Italian Pasta with Vegetables pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread for dipping into that delicious sauce. For a full Italian-inspired meal, serve alongside a bowl of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals such as roasted vegetable antipasto or a fresh Caprese salad.

For a cozy winter meal, consider complementing this pasta with a warm soup like our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings. These combinations make your dinner feel complete and satisfying.

Conclusion

Our Cheesy Italian Pasta with Vegetables recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. The marriage of fresh garden vegetables with a creamy, cheesy sauce offers a comfort-filled dish that is both nourishing and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and cheeses to tailor the dish to your liking. And if you love this recipe, explore more delicious vegetarian and vegan options through our extensive collection of recipes.

Cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients doesn’t have to be complicated, and this pasta dish proves that simplicity can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

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