Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Vegetables
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Vegetables, a wholesome and vibrant dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with fiber-rich whole grain penne pasta and a medley of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and spinach, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, heart-healthy ingredients. A zesty splash of lemon juice and fragrant basil bring a bright, herbaceous flavor, while a touch of garlic-infused olive oil ties everything together. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and offers the option to garnish with grated Parmesan for added indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a light vegetarian dinner or a nourishing pasta dish packed with veggies, this recipe is sure to satisfy while keeping your heart (and taste buds) happy!
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Ingredients
- 250 grams Whole grain penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 Zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups Spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon Basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole grain penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4
Add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Step 5
Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the cherry tomatoes are softened.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked penne pasta. Toss well to combine all ingredients.
Step 7
Add the chopped basil leaves and lemon juice, stirring to evenly distribute.
Step 8
Season with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper or adjust according to taste.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (877.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1507.2 |
| Total Fat 52.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 47.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2194.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 213.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 26.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 16.7g | |
| Protein 64.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 23.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 875.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1924.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories