Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 200 gPasta (any type)
• 150 g (1 cup)Broccoli, chopped
• 1Bell pepper, sliced
• 1Onion, chopped
• 2 clovesGarlic, minced
• 30 ml (2 tbsp)Olive oil
• 5 ml (1 tsp), to tasteSalt
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp), to tasteBlack pepper
• 25 g (1/4 cup)Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta

   Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain it and set aside.

2. 2

   Soften the aromatics

   Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, then sauté until fragrant.

3. 3

   Cook the vegetables

   Add the broccoli and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

4. 4

   Toss everything

   Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss to combine.

5. 5

   Finish and serve

   Serve hot, topped with the grated Parmesan cheese.

What is vegetable pasta?

Vegetable pasta is a flexible, everyday dish that combines pasta with vegetables and simple seasonings. This version takes an Italian-inspired approach, using olive oil, garlic and Parmesan to bring the ingredients together.

Broccoli and bell pepper add contrasting colour and texture, while onion and garlic form a savoury base. Because the vegetables cook in the same pan as the aromatics, the pasta gets a coating of their flavour.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 350 calories, 10g protein, 50g carbs, 12g fat.

The pasta supplies most of the carbohydrates, while olive oil contributes much of the fat; Parmesan adds some protein and fat. Pair a serving with a green salad or extra non-starchy vegetables to round out the plate.

The pasta and vegetables

Pasta shape: Any type works here; choose one that is easy to toss with the chopped vegetables. Cook it according to its packet instructions, since timing varies by shape.

Vegetables: Cut the broccoli into manageable pieces and slice the pepper evenly so they cook together. The recipe calls for tender vegetables, so check them as they cook rather than relying on a fixed time.

Build the flavour

Garlic and onion: Sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Keep them moving if they begin to brown too quickly.

Seasoning: Salt and black pepper are added when the pasta goes into the pan. Start with the listed amounts to taste, bearing in mind that Parmesan also contributes a savoury, salty finish.

Get the texture right

Tender vegetables: Cook the broccoli and pepper until tender, but check their texture as you go so they do not become softer than you prefer.

Well-coated pasta: Drain the pasta before adding it to the vegetables, then toss thoroughly so the oil and seasonings are distributed. The finished dish should be easy to serve without a pool of oil in the pan.

Timing and order

Cook the pasta while preparing the vegetables, if you want to make use of the 35-minute total time. Keep the pasta aside after draining, as directed, until the vegetables are ready.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the pasta and toss it with the seasoning. Finish with Parmesan just before serving so it remains a distinct topping.

What to serve alongside

Serve the pasta hot as a complete, straightforward meal. A crisp green salad or simply prepared vegetables can add freshness alongside it.

For a heartier spread, offer bread at the table. The Parmesan topping brings a salty, savoury note, so additional seasoning at the table is optional.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use the packet timing to cook the pasta, since different shapes take different amounts of time.
• Cut the broccoli into similar-sized pieces so it cooks more evenly.
• Keep the pan over medium heat while sautéing the garlic and onion.
• Taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
• Grate the Parmesan finely so it is easy to scatter over the finished pasta.

Variations

• Add courgette: Slice it and cook it with the broccoli and pepper.
• Use another vegetable: Swap in a similarly sized amount of a vegetable you enjoy.
• Change the cheese: Finish with another hard grating cheese in place of Parmesan.
• Add chilli: Include a little chilli with the garlic for a warmer flavour.
• Try a different pasta: Use any pasta shape, following its own packet instructions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Follow the packet instructions and drain it once cooked.
• Uneven vegetable pieces: Cut the broccoli and pepper into consistent pieces so they cook more evenly.
• Browning the garlic too much: Keep the heat at medium and sauté until fragrant.
• Adding pasta before the vegetables are tender: Cook the broccoli and pepper first, as directed.
• Skipping the final toss: Mix the pasta thoroughly with the vegetables, salt and pepper before serving.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat within 3 days. Reheat until hot in a pan or microwave; add a small splash of water if the pasta seems dry.

Frequently asked questions