Easy Vegetarian Pasta Recipe

Looking for an easy vegetarian pasta recipe that you can throw together in a jiffy? This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and uses ingredients most of us already have at home.

This simple yet delicious pasta will satisfy your craving without feeling overly heavy. The key to a successful sauce is the balance between rich flavors and simplicity. Here’s how you can make it yourself:

Ingredients

• 200g penne pasta
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cans (400g each) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once done, drain well and set aside.
2. In a large pan or skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onions until they become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced red bell pepper to the onions and cook until the vegetables have softened further, approximately 8-10 minutes. During this time, stir frequently so that everything heats evenly.
4. While your vegetables are cooking, heat up the olive oil in a separate large pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with oregano. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks down. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
5. When both the pasta and the tomato sauce are ready, toss the cooked penne into the heated saucepan along with your sautéed veggies from step three. Mix thoroughly so that each piece of pasta gets coated nicely by the flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. To serve, plate up the pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional) and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

If you want to add more depth to your dish, consider adding some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes during the onion and garlic stages. For extra richness, you could also blend part of the crushed tomatoes into a smoother consistency before combining with the pasta.

For a bit of heat, incorporate red pepper flakes right from the start of sautéing your onions. Alternatively, if you prefer less spicy flavors, simply omit them completely!

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values can vary based on individual ingredient choices and portion sizes but here’s a rough estimate for one serving:

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Total Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 16g

This easy vegetarian pasta recipe not only provides a hearty meal but also offers numerous health benefits due to its high fiber content and low-calorie profile. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious yet nutritious food.

Conclusion

With just a few basic ingredients, you can create this mouthwatering vegetarian pasta dish in no time. Its versatility allows it to be customized according to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether served as part of a larger meal or enjoyed alone for lunch, this recipe promises satisfaction and delight at every bite!