Vegetable and Pasta Toss

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant Vegetable and Pasta Toss, a quick and wholesome recipe that pairs tender penne pasta with a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables. Sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and carrots create a lively mix of flavors and textures, while baby spinach adds a nourishing touch. Infused with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is perfectly seasoned and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a burst of aromatic goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan pasta dish is as easy as it is satisfying, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Perfect for vegetarians and customizable to suit your taste, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, veggie-packed meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 2 cups Baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still maintain a slight crunch.

Step 4

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.

Step 5

Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the vegetables and sauce.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Toss gently to combine.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1187.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1942.5

Total Fat 61.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3163.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 286.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.0g
Protein 68.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 732.5mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 2471.7mg	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: 28.2%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 58.0%