Veggie Pasta Dish Recipe for Quick and Healthy Meals

Looking to whip up a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying? This veggie pasta dish recipe is exactly what you need!

Packed with vibrant vegetables and tossed in a light, herb-infused olive oil sauce, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and sure to please everyone at the table.

The combination of fresh veggies and perfectly cooked pasta creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also a great way to sneak in a variety of vegetables, boosting your intake of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Plus, it comes together quickly using everyday pantry staples and fresh produce.

If you love exploring vegetarian cuisine, be sure to check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration. Ready to get cooking?

Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veggie pasta dish offers a perfect balance of taste, health, and convenience. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add protein like chickpeas or tofu.
• Flavorful: A delightful mix of herbs, garlic, and olive oil brings out the best in every ingredient.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: Perfect for plant-based diets and easily adapted for any preferences.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)

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 spoons and cups

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 pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While pasta cooks, wash and chop zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and slice the red onion.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add vegetables: Toss in the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
5. Season and add tomatoes: Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften.
6. Incorporate spinach: Add the baby spinach leaves and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Combine pasta and veggies: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed.
9. Serve: Transfer to plates or bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Fresh herbs can elevate even the simplest pasta dishes — don’t skip the basil!”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to use seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or peas depending on availability.
• Protein boost: Add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or cubed tofu for extra protein and heartiness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties for those with dietary restrictions.
• Rich and creamy: Stir in a spoonful of vegan pesto or cashew cream for a luscious twist.
• Spice it up: For more heat, add extra red chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This veggie pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. For a light side, try a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

If you’re hosting guests, this pasta also complements a chilled white wine or sparkling water infused with fresh mint and lemon slices.

For more wholesome vegetarian meal ideas, explore recipes like Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or discover exciting spice blends in the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

These dishes make fantastic companions for your pasta or stand-alone meals to keep your menu varied and delightful.

Conclusion

This veggie pasta dish is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s an excellent recipe for anyone looking to eat more vegetables without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

The vibrant colors and textures make every bite a joy, while the herbs and garlic infuse a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Keep the recipe handy as a go-to for quick dinners or customize it to reflect your favorite seasonal produce.

With its ease and adaptability, you might find it becoming a staple in your weekly meal rotation. For more delicious vegetarian recipes, don’t forget to visit Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals and keep your culinary adventure thriving!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Veggie Pasta Dish”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A colorful and healthy pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and a light tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz penne pasta”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “1 red bell pepper, diced”, “1 zucchini, sliced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/2 cup red onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/4 tsp red pepper flakes”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain 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 bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in cooked pasta and fresh basil; toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}