Imagine a meal that combines vibrant, fresh vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and mouthwatering flavors—all prepared in just 30 minutes! This One-Dish Pasta and Vegetables recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner solution that promises to tantalize your taste buds without keeping you chained to the kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for quick meals, or someone who loves delicious yet simple cuisine, this Italian-inspired dish will become your new go-to recipe that makes healthy eating both effortless and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Ensure bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli are cut to roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Vegetable Cutting Technique: Cut all vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve a little pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together beautifully.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Sauté vegetables on medium-high heat to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture and slight caramelization.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the rich, authentic taste.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonality or personal preference. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!
- Don't Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and tasting a minute before the recommended cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
