Colorful Pasta Lunch
Brighten up your day with this vibrant and wholesome Colorful Pasta Lunch, a quick and healthy recipe bursting with fresh, seasonal vegetables. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with sautéed zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp red bell peppers, and nutrient-rich spinach, this dish is a rainbow of flavors and nutrients in every bite. A zesty hint of lemon ties it all together, while optional parmesan and fresh basil add indulgent finishing touches. Ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch, this recipe is ideal for busy weekdays or meal prepping. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking for a healthy pasta option, this quick and easy dish will become a go-to favorite.
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Ingredients
- 250 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 100 grams spinach leaves
- 1 medium lemon
- 50 grams parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the zucchini, and cut the red bell pepper into thin strips. Mince the garlic and set all aside.
Step 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
Step 5
Stir in the spinach leaves and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using.
Step 6
Zest and juice the lemon, then add both the zest and juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 8
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top for an aromatic finish.
Step 9
Serve hot, and enjoy your colorful pasta lunch!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1027.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1545.4 |
| Total Fat 47.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 12.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g | |
| Cholesterol 44.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5021.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 227.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 24.9g | |
| Protein 58.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 10.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 816.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2436.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories