Sweet N Spicy Veggie Pasta

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Sweet N Spicy Veggie Pasta, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a bold, flavorful sauce. This recipe harmoniously combines the natural sweetness of honey with the heat of red chili flakes, balanced by tangy lemon juice and umami-rich soy sauce. Loaded with sautéed onions, zucchini, bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it offers a hearty yet wholesome meal that’s both colorful and satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil and optional parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese (optional), grated
• 8 cups water (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 5

Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they soften and release some of their juices.

Step 6

Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Adjust the quantity of chili flakes to your spice preference.

Step 7

Drizzle the honey and soy sauce over the vegetables, stirring well to combine.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a light sauce.

Step 9

Stir in the lemon juice and fresh basil. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well-mixed and heated through.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Sweet N Spicy Veggie Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3076.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1467.4

Total Fat 63.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 3883.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 178.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 56.9g
Protein 51.5g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 804.6mg	0%
Iron 6.1mg	0%
Potassium 1752.9mg	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: 38.3%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 47.9%