Veggie Lovers Loaded Pasta with Parmesan (32 Minutes)

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This veggie lovers pasta is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together your favorite vegetables with a delicious pasta of your choice.

A vibrant and colorful meal, it’s perfect for a healthy dinner and is easy to customize based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences.

Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, etc.)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cracked black pepper, for garnish
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the vegetables (5 minutes): While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Cut the broccoli into small florets, slice the zucchini, cut the red bell pepper into strips, cut the asparagus into pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Sauté the vegetables (10 minutes): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the broccoli, zucchini, red bell pepper, and asparagus. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Combine the pasta and vegetables (5 minutes): Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to create a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the finishing touches (2 minutes): Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and vegetables. Toss to combine until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
  6. Serve: Transfer the Veggie Lovers Loaded Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For added protein, you can include chickpeas, tofu, or grilled chicken to the dish. This pasta is highly customizable, so feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer.

The key is to cook the vegetables until they are tender yet still crisp to retain their vibrant colors and textures.

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheats well for leftovers.

Enjoy making and sharing this fresh and flavorful pasta dish!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/veggie-lovers-loaded-pasta-with-parmesan-32-minutes/