Delicious Pasta with Vegetables: A Flavorful Meal for a Crowd

Pasta with vegetables is one of the most popular recipes that can cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. This dish combines pasta, which is rich in carbohydrates and provides long-lasting energy, along with a range of fresh vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and onions. The result is not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or casual get-together.

Ingredients

• 300g spaghetti
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
• 4 onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they become translucent and slightly soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Next, add minced garlic and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir frequently for another couple of minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

4. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, steam sliced zucchini and carrot pieces until they are just tender (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Mix all cooked vegetables with the onions, bell peppers, and spaghetti. Season to taste with salt.

6. Add halved cherry tomatoes and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot.

Nutritional Information per Serving

This pasta dish contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for maintaining overall health. Here's the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving:

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
• Total Fat: About 14g
• Saturated Fat: Less than 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: Around 800 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: Nearly 60g
• Fiber: Approximately 9g
• Sugars: About 12g
• Protein: Roughly 15g

Why Pasta with Vegetables is a Healthy Choice?

Eating pasta dishes like this can contribute significantly to your daily intake of essential nutrients. Carbohydrates from the spaghetti provide energy, while vegetables add fiber and vital micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid, which play crucial roles in various bodily functions including immune support, tissue repair, and blood formation.

In addition to these benefits, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Once you have all the ingredients ready, it takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or last-minute meal solution. The combination of flavors makes each bite enjoyable while still feeling nourishing.

Modification Suggestions

To enhance this basic recipe further, feel free to get creative:

• Incorporate proteins: Add some cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or ground turkey for extra protein.
• Vary the vegetables: Swap out zucchini and carrots with other favorites like broccoli florets, green beans, or mushrooms depending on what's available locally.
• Toppings: Consider adding parmesan cheese at serving time to give your pasta a cheesy finish; alternatively, sprinkle some nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Pasta with vegetables isn't just about taste; it's also about variety. By experimenting with different combinations of ingredients and flavors, you can create numerous variations that suit all palates and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or planning ahead for guests, this versatile dish offers something special every time.