Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Vegetables

Pasta dishes have always been a favorite among many people seeking a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you're having dinner at home or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe for pasta with vegetables will not only impress but also provide a healthy balance of nutrients. In just about 20 minutes, you can prepare pasta that is both delicious and nutritious.

This meal is particularly well-suited to those who are trying to incorporate more greens into their diet without compromising on taste or texture. It’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! The recipe serves four people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or an intimate evening with friends.

Ingredients

400g of spaghetti or any preferred pasta type
1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
1 zucchini (sliced thinly)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved if large)
3 cloves garlic, minced finely
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped finely
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon zest for garnishing (optional)

Cooking Steps

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to the boil. This is crucial as it ensures your pasta will cook evenly without sticking together.
Add the pasta to the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent it from clumping up. Allow the pasta to cook until al dente – this typically takes around 8-10 minutes depending on the type of pasta you are using. Drain and set aside.
While your pasta is cooking, prepare all other ingredients in their respective sizes as mentioned above. Warm up some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes to the heated olive oil. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until you smell the aroma of garlic but be careful not to burn it.
Add the vegetables one by one into the pan, starting with the zucchini followed by bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Cook these until they just start softening up, about 5-7 minutes.
Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly with the vegetable mixture in a large serving bowl.
Finally, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top as garnish and optionally add some lemon zest for extra flavor. Serve hot immediately!

Tips & Variations

To make this dish even more delightful, consider adding protein sources such as grilled chicken or tofu into your pasta mix. You can also experiment with different types of pasta like penne or fusilli to see what best suits your taste buds.

For a creamier option, you could add some heavy cream just before mixing the pasta and vegetables together at step 6.
If you prefer less spice, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in step 3.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Based on the given quantities for four servings:

Total Calories: ~500 per serving
Total Carbohydrates: ~75 grams per serving
Total Protein: ~15 grams per serving
Total Fat: ~6 grams per serving

Remember that nutrition values can slightly vary based on the exact brand and type of ingredients used.

Enjoy your balanced pasta with vegetables! It's a simple yet effective way to ensure you get all those vital nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Conclusion

Adequate nutrition and deliciousness go hand-in-hand when it comes to healthy eating habits. With this simple yet tasty pasta recipe, you can easily incorporate vegetables into your daily diet while satisfying your taste buds. So next time you’re looking for something quick, easy, and nutritious, try out our pasta with vegetables recipe - your body will thank you!

If you decide to give this dish a go, please share any feedback or modifications you made in the comments below! Happy cooking!