Cheesy Veggie Pasta Recipe for a Quick Healthy Dinner

Welcome to a delightful journey where comfort food meets vibrant nutrition! This cheesy veggie pasta recipe is a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with fresh, colorful vegetables, making it a wholesome meal the entire family will adore.

Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick dinner or someone who enjoys cozying up with a satisfying bowl of pasta, this recipe has got you covered.

Imagine al dente pasta enveloped in a luscious, melty cheese sauce, studded with tender-crisp veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. This dish brings both flavor and texture to your plate, delivering a satisfying experience that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the veggies and cheeses to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

If you’re eager to explore more vibrant vegetarian ideas, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration. Now, let’s dive into making this cheesy veggie pasta your new weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without too much fuss.

The combination of fresh vegetables and cheese offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, making it both comforting and nourishing.

Moreover, it’s highly customizable. Whether you prefer a mild mozzarella or a sharper cheddar, or want to swap in some seasonal vegetables, this recipe adapts effortlessly.

And for those looking for a healthier pasta option, you can easily substitute regular pasta with whole grain or legume-based varieties.

Finally, this dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers satisfying cheesy goodness with a wholesome veggie boost every time.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work great)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red, yellow, and green)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup pasta water reserved from cooking
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board

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. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate the greens: Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the veggies with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
5. Combine pasta and veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce that clings to the pasta and veggies.
6. Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese and grated Parmesan, mixing gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
7. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
8. Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese when mixing in the cheese. You can also experiment with vegan cheese options for a dairy-free version.”

• Veggie swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms, broccoli florets, or even roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist.
• Protein boost: Toss in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or grilled tofu cubes for added protein.
• Cheese alternatives: Try using smoked gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Incorporate some fresh basil or parsley for an herby finish, or drizzle with chili oil for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy veggie pasta is wonderfully versatile for serving. Pair it with a crisp green salad sprinkled with nuts or seeds to add crunch and freshness.

Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic complement, perfect for mopping up any leftover cheesy sauce.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of roasted vegetables or a light soup. If you’re hosting a dinner, add a glass of chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creaminess of the pasta.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious pasta options in our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals collection for more inspiration!

Conclusion

Whether you’re craving something comforting or nutritious, this cheesy veggie pasta recipe is a fantastic choice that brings the best of both worlds to your table. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for guests.

The fresh vegetables add vibrant color and texture, while the cheesy sauce provides that indulgent touch we all love.

This recipe encourages creativity—mix and match your favorite veggies and cheeses to make it truly your own. For dairy-free or vegan variations, check out the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Enjoy cooking and savor every cheesy, veggie-packed bite!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cheesy Veggie Pasta”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and delicious pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz penne pasta”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “1 zucchini, diced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1/2 teaspoon dried oregano”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until fragrant and translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in frozen peas, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook for another 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “420 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “20 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}