Quick & Healthy Weeknight Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Looking for a quick and healthy weeknight pasta recipe? This Quick & Healthy Weeknight Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare. The dish combines the rich flavor of pasta with the sweetness and tanginess of cherry tomatoes, making it both satisfying and refreshing.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4

• Main Ingredients:
1. 300g penne pasta
2. 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1 red bell pepper, diced
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. 2 tbsp olive oil
6. 1 tsp dried oregano
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain it well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the diced red bell pepper and stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunchiness (about 5 minutes).
4. Throw in the cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes start to break down into a sauce consistency.
5. Mix the cooked penne pasta with the vegetable-tomato mix. Toss everything together gently so that each piece of pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce.
6. Let the dish warm up for about 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations:

• To add more creaminess and depth to your pasta, you can stir in a small amount of fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese right at the end of cooking.
• If you prefer something milder in taste, use fresh oregano instead of dried. It adds freshness without overpowering other ingredients.
• For extra protein, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to this dish.

Why This Recipe Works:

This pasta recipe is ideal for those days when you want something substantial yet light enough not to feel heavy after dinner. The combination of pasta, tomatoes, and bell peppers creates a well-rounded meal that satisfies your hunger without leaving behind any bloating feeling. Plus, the short cooking time ensures minimal mess in the kitchen while still delivering top-notch results.

The use of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to complement the robust flavors from garlic and oregano. By using whole wheat penne or other whole grain pastas, you get additional fiber which benefits your digestion and promotes fuller feeling after eating.

Incorporating this dish into your weekly meal plan can be a great way to enjoy seasonal produce while maintaining healthful habits like portion control and balanced nutrition.

For those who love experimenting with flavors or want an extra kick of heat, adding some red pepper flakes is optional. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds another layer of umami richness if desired too!