Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Vegetables

Looking for a delicious pasta dish that can be prepared in 30 minutes and serves up to four people? This Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Vegetables recipe is perfect for those who want a hearty yet light meal. It combines the comfort of pasta with the freshness of vegetables, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Ingredients:

250 grams of spaghetti or any preferred pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes. Number of Servings: 4 servings.

Instructions:

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta. While waiting for the water, start on your vegetables. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Once you have the onions ready, add the minced garlic to the skillet along with the red bell pepper and zucchini slices. Stir frequently while cooking for another 5-7 minutes until these vegetables are tender but not too soft.

Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain the cooked pasta but reserve a small cup of water before tossing it into the skillet with the vegetables once they’re all prepared.

Tips:

If you prefer more moisture in your dish, add some reserved pasta water when mixing everything together.
Feel free to adjust seasoning based on personal preference; adding a little lemon juice can give it that extra zing.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the vegetables are well combined with the pasta. Taste and season accordingly before serving hot.

This dish works wonderfully as part of a balanced meal, paired with a side salad or some grilled chicken breasts for added protein. It's versatile enough to be served alongside various other dishes, making it easy to create themed dinners each week.

Health Benefits:

Pasta itself provides complex carbohydrates which are essential for energy production and maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, the vegetables included in this recipe offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals crucial for good health. Bell peppers and zucchini are excellent sources of vitamin C while tomatoes contribute lycopene—a powerful antioxidant.

Storage:

Any leftovers from this meal should be stored in an airtight container within the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for up to 5 days. For best results, consume them as soon as possible after preparation. If you plan on freezing any portion of this dish, it is recommended that you freeze it immediately after cooling down to prevent quality degradation.

Cooking Tips:

For a creamier texture without adding dairy products, consider blending half an avocado into the mix towards the end before serving.
Experiment with different types of pasta or even try this recipe using penne instead if you prefer.

This Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Vegetables not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports overall health through its nutritious components. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or prepared ahead for busy days, it remains a go-to favorite in any kitchen!