Pasta And Vegetables Recipe Giada De Laurentiis Made Easy

If you’re looking to bring a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition to your dinner table, Giada De Laurentiis’ pasta and vegetables recipe is an absolute winner. This dish masterfully combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a light and flavorful sauce that elevates the natural goodness of each ingredient.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something wholesome yet quick to prepare, this recipe showcases Giada’s signature Italian flair with a modern, health-conscious twist. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, this pasta and vegetables recipe is approachable, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

With the perfect balance of textures and flavors, this recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy a comforting meal without feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those extra servings of vegetables while satisfying your pasta cravings.

So, tie on your apron and get ready to create a mouthwatering dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta and vegetables recipe from Giada De Laurentiis is a fantastic blend of simplicity and sophistication. The beauty of this dish lies in how effortlessly it brings together fresh, seasonal vegetables with tender pasta, creating a meal that feels both hearty and light.

Freshness shines through: The use of crisp vegetables ensures every bite is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a colorful, vibrant plate that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul.

Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but satisfying. With minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: You can easily swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.

Plus, it’s a great stepping stone to explore other delicious vegetarian meals. If you love this, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more ideas that celebrate veggies.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of penne or your favorite pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup asparagus tips, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional for a little heat
• Juice of half a lemon

Equipment

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

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and asparagus tips. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Add cherry tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
5. Combine pasta and veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help everything meld.
6. Season: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Toss to combine thoroughly.
7. Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using, and serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Tips & Variations

“Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand – spinach, mushrooms, or even peas work beautifully in this recipe!”

To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top can provide a delightful crunch and extra protein.

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the pan right after sautéing the garlic, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding vegetables.

Looking for more exciting ways to enjoy wholesome meals? Check out Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or dive into some spice magic with the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This pasta and vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light starter. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the fresh flavors beautifully.

If you want to turn it into a heartier meal, serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

For a complete plant-based meal, consider adding a side of roasted chickpeas or a simple lentil salad. You might also enjoy exploring other vegetarian pasta dishes like those featured in Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

Giada De Laurentiis’ pasta and vegetables recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. This dish is not only bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors but also offers a nourishing, wholesome meal that fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle.

Whether you are cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and elegance. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a meatless meal without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Plus, it encourages creativity and flexibility in the kitchen, making it easy to adapt based on seasonal produce or your personal preferences.

Give this recipe a try and see how delicious and delightful vegetable-forward pasta dishes can be. For more inspiration, don’t hesitate to visit other fantastic recipes like Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals to keep your culinary journey exciting and flavorful!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Pasta and Vegetables Recipe Giada De Laurentiis”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and fresh pasta dish featuring a medley of saut\u00e9ed vegetables. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 ounces penne pasta”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium zucchini, diced”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)”, “Juice of half a lemon”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add zucchini, bell pepper, and asparagus; cook for 5-7 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, pepper, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh basil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: ” Fifty grams”}}