Oh, how I adore those evenings when dinner needs to be on the table STAT, but I still want something truly delicious and *good* for us! This Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight is my absolute go-to. It’s like a rainbow exploded onto my plate, bursting with flavor and totally guilt-free. I actually stumbled upon something similar years ago when I was trying to use up a random assortment of veggies in my fridge, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! This version is tweaked to perfection, giving you that vibrant, nutritious, and surprisingly quick meal you’ve been searching for.

Why You’ll Love This Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

Seriously, what’s not to adore about this pasta dish? It’s a total winner for so many reasons:

It’s lightning fast! You can pull this off from start to finish in under 40 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Super simple to make. No fancy techniques here – if you can boil pasta and chop a few veggies, you’re golden.
Packed with goodness. We’re talking whole grains, tons of vitamins from all those colorful veggies… it’s basically a complete meal in one bowl.
Endlessly adaptable. Don’t have broccoli? Toss in some spinach! Have bell peppers in every color? Use them all! It’s your kitchen, your rules.
So incredibly delicious! The combination of tender-crisp veggies, savory garlic, fresh basil, and a light broth just sings. Trust me on this!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! This recipe is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients, so having everything prepped makes the actual cooking part a breeze. You’ll need about 8 ounces of good old whole wheat pasta – I like using whole wheat because it gives us a nice little fiber boost and a heartier texture. For our veggie stars, grab 1 cup of broccoli florets that are bite-sized, a cup of chopped bell peppers (use a mix of colors for maximum wow-factor!), about 2 cups of those sweet cherry tomatoes, just halved, and 1/2 cup of sliced zucchini. Oh, and a 1/4 cup of chopped red onion lends a lovely little bite. Don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced super fine, and 1/4 cup of vegetable broth for that perfect saucy consistency. Finally, a good handful of fresh basil, about 2 tablespoons chopped, is essential for that fresh, herby finish. And of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

Alright, let’s get this amazing pasta dinner on the go! It’s really straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a bowl full of deliciousness. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks!

Cooking the Pasta Perfectly

First things first, get your pasta cooking! Grab a big pot, fill it with water, add a good pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Now, add your 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta and cook it according to the package directions, but aim for that perfect ‘al dente’ bite. You know, tender but with just a little chew. Once it’s ready, drain it well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it – that starchy water helps the sauce cling later!

Sautéing the Vegetables for the Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

While your pasta is doing its thing, let’s get those veggies going. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nice big skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, sliced zucchini, and that lovely red onion. Let them sizzle and get tender-crisp for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to still have a little snap! Now, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell that incredible aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll get bitter – quick steps here!

Combining and Finishing the Dish

Now for the grand finale! Add those halved cherry tomatoes and the 1/4 cup of vegetable broth to the skillet with the veggies. Let it cook for just 2-3 minutes, giving the tomatoes a chance to soften up slightly. Next, slide in all that gorgeous cooked pasta. Give everything a good toss to combine all those beautiful colors and flavors. Finally, stir in your fresh chopped basil – it adds such a wonderful pop of freshness. Season generously with salt and black pepper until it tastes just right. You can find more ideas for veggie stir-fries here, and even another healthy stir-fry option.

Tips for a Perfect Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

Okay, so the beauty of this dish is how forgiving it is! It’s super easy to tweak and make your own. For example, if you don’t have broccoli, no worries! Zucchini, snap peas, asparagus, or even some spinach tossed in at the end would be fantastic. I sometimes add cooked chicken or some chickpeas for extra protein, making it a complete meal. Honestly, anything goes!

Vegetable Swaps and Additions

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies! Mushrooms, cauliflower, or even a handful of kale would be delicious additions. And for a protein punch, grilled chicken strips or some rinsed and drained chickpeas are my go-to for an extra boost. Check out this colorful veggie salad for more inspiration or this refreshing cucumber tomato salad during warmer months!

Achieving the Right Pasta Texture

The absolute key here is to not overcook your pasta! Keep it nice and ‘al dente’. It will finish cooking slightly when you toss it with the hot vegetables and broth, so you want it to have a little bite left.

Serving and Storing Your Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables

This pasta is best served piping hot right after it’s made, straight from the skillet. I love just serving it up in big bowls, maybe with a little extra sprinkle of fresh basil on top if I have some handy. If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or gently warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. It’s still so good the next day! For more pasta inspiration, check out this classic spaghetti bolognese.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

Can I make this Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables ahead of time?

For the absolute best flavor and texture, I really recommend serving this pasta dish fresh. The vegetables are at their peak tenderness-crisp when they’re cooked right before serving. If you do need to make it ahead, I’d suggest cooking the pasta and sautéing the vegetables separately. Then, just combine them with a little extra broth or olive oil and gently reheat everything together just before you’re ready to eat. It’s still delicious, just a little less vibrant!

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

I just adore using whole wheat pasta here because it holds up so well and adds a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber. But honestly, you can totally use whatever pasta you have on hand! Penne, rotini, farfalle (bow-ties), or even spaghetti would work beautifully. Just make sure to cook it to al dente, as we don’t want mushy pasta mixed with our lovely crisp veggies!

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely! This Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables recipe is naturally vegetarian. It’s packed with veggies and whole grains, making it a fantastic meat-free option. If you’re looking to make it vegan, just ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly, and you’re all set! It’s already dairy-free, which is a big plus for lots of people.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info is an estimate – like all recipes, it can change a bit based on your exact ingredients! But generally, a serving of this colorful pasta dish clocks in around 350 calories, with a good amount of protein and fiber to keep you full and happy. You’re looking at about 15g of protein, 55g of carbs, and 10g of fiber. Pretty darn good for a weeknight meal, right?

Share Your Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Creation!

I’d absolutely LOVE to see your version of this Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables! Did you add some yummy chicken or chickpeas? Maybe you tried a totally different veggie combo? Drop a comment below, give it a star rating, or tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces!

Colorful And Healthy Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Delight

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and nutritious pasta dish packed with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces whole wheat pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced zucchini
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
Toss to combine. Stir in fresh basil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Adjust vegetables based on seasonal availability.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pasta, vegetables, healthy, colorful, whole wheat, vegetarian, quick dinner, easy recipe