Sassy Pesto Pasta and Veggies

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavor-packed Sassy Pesto Pasta and Veggies! This easy pasta recipe combines tender penne with a medley of fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutrient-rich baby spinach, all tossed in a luscious basil pesto sauce for a dish that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of sass, while optional Parmesan and fresh basil garnish lend a gourmet touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and healthy meal is perfect for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying vegetarian pasta dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup basil pesto sauce
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (for garnish)

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. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Slice the zucchini into thin half-moons and add it to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5

Halve the cherry tomatoes and stir them into the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 6

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until wilted.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed.

Step 8

Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 9

Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired), and a sprinkle of fresh basil for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1163.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2765.2

Total Fat 142.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 91.9mg	0%
Sodium 5323.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.4g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 85.4g	0%

Vitamin D 12.8IU	0%
Calcium 1239.7mg	0%
Iron 22.2mg	0%
Potassium 2131.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 42.1%