Fresh Vegetables In Garlic Sauce With Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for light, flavorful meals that appeal to vegetable lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 3 medium carrots ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups hot, cooked, drained pasta (fettuccini, ziti or shells) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut carrots and zucchini lengthwise into thin slices with a vegetable peeler.
- Bring 1 inch water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add carrots and zucchini to boiling water and cook until crisp tender.
- Remove vegetables from water and drain; set aside.
- Melt butter in the same saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until tender.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, dried tarragon, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the sauce and heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the vegetable and sauce mixture with hot, cooked pasta and toss lightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting olive oil for butter and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. If you prefer a thinner sauce, adjust the heavy cream to your desired consistency. To enhance the garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder along with the minced garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. It pairs beautifully with Italian Chicken On The Grill for a complete meal. Consider a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to complement the flavors. For a lighter option, serve with Tomato Basil Pasta Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta and vegetable mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through, ensuring the pasta does not become overcooked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Vegetables In Garlic Sauce With Pasta contains roughly 482 calories, with 14g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and iron (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1995mg per serving (87% 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 use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the sauce. However, fresh vegetables will provide the best texture and flavor, so use frozen only if fresh is unavailable.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccini, ziti, or shells work well for this dish. Choose your favorite type based on texture preference. Fettuccini will hold the sauce nicely, while shells can scoop up the vegetables. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the vegetables ahead of time, then combine them with the pasta just before serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. Store the sauce and vegetables separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, then heat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
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).