Fiesta Pasta
Fiesta Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed with spicy jalapenos, zucchini, tomatoes, and olives, perfect for a quick, spicy vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. linguini pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large zucchini (about 1 lb.), diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chopped tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Saute zucchini, onion, jalapeno peppers, and garlic for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped tomatoes, oregano, chopped black olives, and salt; heat to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash makes a great substitute. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or shrimp. To amp up the flavor, try using garden-fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Fiesta Pasta is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a light cucumber salad or some fresh fruit. You can also drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for added flavor. For an Italian twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Italian Tomato Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adding a little water or broth can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Pasta contains roughly 308 calories, with 14g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 777mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and toss it with the freshly cooked pasta. This makes for a quick weeknight meal or a great option for meal prepping.
What can I substitute for the black olives?
If you're not a fan of black olives, you can use green olives or omit them altogether. Capers can also provide a similar briny flavor. Adjust the seasoning slightly to balance the flavors if you change the olives or remove them entirely.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Fiesta Pasta is a vegetarian dish packed with nutritious vegetables. It's a great option for those following vegetarian recipes, and the addition of optional Parmesan cheese keeps it deliciously satisfying without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).