There’s nothing quite like a comforting, homemade pasta dish with fresh ingredients. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines pasta with a medley of vegetables and a fresh tomato sauce for a satisfying and healthy meal. Pair it with a crisp cabbage and carrot salad for the perfect balance.
Ingredients
For the Pasta with Vegetables:
- 250g of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Cook the Pasta:Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes until they break down into a sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper, sautéing until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables to the tomato sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Toss well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Plate the pasta, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve alongside the cabbage and carrot salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm pasta dish.
Enjoy your meal, and have a wonderful afternoon! 😊
Tags:
pasta
