Garlic Herb Vegetable Pasta
Flavorful and satisfying, this Garlic Herb Vegetable Pasta is brimming with fresh vegetables and a stunning blend of herbs, perfect for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 12 oz 12 oz of your favorite pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Vegetables
- 1 each 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 each 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 each 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup 1 cup fresh spinach
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Cooking Vegetables
- Stir in the diced red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and julienned carrot. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain a little crunch.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to soften.
Seasoning and Combining
- Sprinkle the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, adding reserved pasta water as needed until the desired consistency is achieved.
Garnishing and Serving
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Notes
Choose quality ingredients for the best flavor, avoid overcooking pasta, reserve pasta water carefully, and feel free to customize your vegetables. You can add protein for a more substantial meal, and there are various substitutions for dietary preferences.