Description
A fresh and colorful pasta dish loaded with seasonal vegetables, tossed in a light creamy garlic sauce, and finished with Parmesan for a bright yet comforting vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and red onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat slightly and add cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add asparagus, snap peas, or mushrooms for seasonal variation.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- For a lighter version, replace cream with vegetable broth and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Stir in baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
