Skillet Pasta And Vegetables
A quick and flavorful skillet pasta with fresh vegetables, melted mozzarella, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. uncooked bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, cut into eighths ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter until sizzling.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add zucchini, eggplant, red onion, basil leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp tender (4 to 6 minutes).
- Stir in cooked pasta.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until heated through (2 to 3 minutes).
- Stir in shredded Mozzarella cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the zucchini with yellow squash or the eggplant with bell peppers. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Ensure the vegetables are cut evenly for consistent cooking. This dish is versatile; feel free to add any seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. For an extra protein boost, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top can enhance the presentation and flavor. It's a great dish for family gatherings or meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Pasta And Vegetables contains roughly 92 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% 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 whole grain pasta instead of bow tie pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is a great alternative and can add more fiber to your dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole grain pasta may take a little longer to cook.
What can I do if I don't have Mozzarella cheese?
If Mozzarella is unavailable, you can substitute it with other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for a similar meltiness. For a sharper flavor, try using cheddar. Just keep in mind that the overall taste of the dish will change slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauté the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before serving. This way, you can quickly finish the dish by heating everything together and adding the cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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).