Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring penne tossed with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition, ideal for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta and Seasonings
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers along with the diced zucchini. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still retain some bite.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes until the broth reduces slightly, intensifying the flavor and creating a light sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly with the vegetable mixture and sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the fresh chopped basil and parsley. Mix until the cheese melts slightly and evenly coats the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired for an elevated presentation and flavor boost.
Notes
- For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage into the dish.
- To make the dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
