Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Chicken

This Vegetarian Penne Pasta with Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, offering a hearty, vegetable-packed meal without compromising on flavor. Perfectly al dente penne is tossed in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and a vibrant medley of red bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Aromatic dried herbs like oregano and basil bring a comforting Italian flair, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds creamy richness. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and serves as a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly option when paired with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. Garnished with fresh basil for an elegant touch, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0 to taste fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and well combined.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot, and enjoy your vegetarian penne pasta with a side salad or garlic bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1930.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2024.9

Total Fat 49.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 4074.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 334.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.2g	0%
Total Sugars 53.8g
Protein 81.9g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 759.6mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 5174.1mg	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: 21.3%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 63.2%