Pasta With Garden Vegetables
A vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh garden vegetables, fragrant garlic, and melty cheeses, perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small yellow summer squash, sliced ⓘ
- 5 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 3 green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, diced ⓘ
- Pinch of pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. corkscrew macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour cooking oil into a wok or large skillet and preheat to medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry minced garlic in hot oil for 15 seconds.
- Add sliced zucchini and yellow summer squash; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sliced green onions; stir-fry until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add diced tomato, crushed dried oregano, and a pinch of pepper; stir-fry for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the hot cooked pasta along with shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Toss everything together to combine and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley, which can enhance the dish significantly. If you want a bit of protein, feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp. You can substitute the vegetables based on what you have on hand; bell peppers or spinach work well too. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is perfect as a light main course or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with a simple Tomato, Mozzarella And Basil Salad for a refreshing complement. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of Sicilian Calzones Ricotta And Onions. Enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Garden Vegetables contains roughly 424 calories, with 11g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 570mg per serving (25% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While corkscrew macaroni is recommended, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, ensuring it is al dente before adding to the vegetables.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the cheese or using plant-based cheese alternatives. Additionally, ensure that the cooking oil you use is suitable for vegan diets. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious, vegetable-packed pasta dish without any animal products.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this pasta dish more filling, consider adding protein sources like cooked chickpeas, lentils, or grilled tofu. You can also increase the quantity of pasta or serve it with a side of crusty bread. These additions will make it a more substantial meal while still keeping it light and flavorful.
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).