This vegetable pasta recipe is a delightful and colorful dish that combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers with the aromatic flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch.
If you don't usually stock cherry tomatoes or bell peppers in your kitchen, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. These ingredients add a burst of flavor and color to the dish. Additionally, make sure you have Italian seasoning on hand, as it brings a blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
Ingredients For Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Pasta: The base of the dish, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, as well as a pop of color.
Bell pepper: Provides a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a smooth texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flavor to the pasta.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Instead, aim for a light golden color to enhance the flavor profile of your vegetable pasta.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
any type pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds extra vegetables to your dish.
any type pasta - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor and chewy texture.
halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size, making them a perfect substitute.
sliced bell pepper - Substitute with sliced zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar texture and mild flavor, adding variety to the dish.
sliced bell pepper - Substitute with sliced carrots: Carrots add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the pasta.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used for a more subtle garlic flavor and is convenient.
minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste compared to garlic, adding a different depth of flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a healthy alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a slight sweetness and is a good option for those looking for a different flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can reduce the need for additional salt.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and is less visually noticeable in light-colored dishes.
black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick and a different flavor dimension.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a different blend of herbs, providing a unique flavor profile.
italian seasoning - Substitute with fresh basil and oregano: Fresh herbs give a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried seasoning.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the vegetable pasta to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The vegetable pasta will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The vegetable pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheat the vegetable pasta in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
If the pasta seems dry after reheating, add a little more olive oil or a spoonful of vegetable broth to bring back its moisture and flavor.
Enjoy your reheated vegetable pasta as is, or add some fresh cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to give it a burst of freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water to the pan.
- Add the leftover vegetable pasta to the pan.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a bit more olive oil or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover vegetable pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the pasta.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover vegetable pasta in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Boiling Water Method:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Place the leftover vegetable pasta in a heatproof colander.
- Dip the colander into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Remove the colander and let the water drain off.
- Serve the reheated pasta immediately.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Pasta pot: A large pot to cook the pasta in boiling water.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop and slice the vegetables.
Chef's knife: Essential for slicing the bell pepper and mincing the garlic.
Measuring cups: To accurately measure the cherry tomatoes and olive oil.
Measuring spoons: For precise measurement of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Large skillet: Used to sauté the garlic and cook the vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the vegetables and pasta together.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the pasta with the vegetables and seasonings.
Serving bowl: To present the finished vegetable pasta dish.
How to Save Time on Making This Dish
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic.
Cook pasta ahead: Boil the pasta the night before and store it in an airtight container.
One-pan method: Cook the vegetables and pasta in the same pan to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick meal later in the week.
Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Pasta any type
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 Bell Pepper sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Add the cherry tomatoes and bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- 4. Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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