Vegetable Pasta Stir-Fry
A vibrant vegetable pasta stir-fry combining fresh herbs, tender vegetables, and cheesy toppings, perfect for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. linguine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/4 c. snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded no fat Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook linguine in boiling, unsalted water; drain and keep warm.
- Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat; add olive oil.
- Stir-fry garlic in hot oil for 15 seconds.
- Add carrots; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add zucchini, onion, and celery; stir-fry about 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Gently stir in garbanzo beans, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, snipped parsley, and basil.
- Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is heated through.
- Remove the wok or skillet from heat.
- Add cooked linguine, grated Parmesan cheese, and margarine.
- Toss gently until mixture is coated.
- Transfer to 4 dinner plates; sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over each serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, pre-chop vegetables and use store-bought garlic paste or minced garlic. You can substitute linguine with whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you prefer different veggies, bell peppers or snap peas work well. For added protein, consider adding tofu or tempeh. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while stir-frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Vegetable Pasta Stir-Fry with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complement the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Italian Cookie Biscotti for dessert. For an extra touch, drizzle some balsamic reduction over the top before serving or offer a selection of additional cheeses at the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Pasta Stir-Fry contains roughly 1955 calories, with 52g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 154g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1851mg 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 add more protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can easily boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Tofu is another great option for a vegetarian protein source. Simply stir-fry the protein of choice along with the vegetables for a hearty meal.
What can I use instead of garbanzo beans?
If you don’t have garbanzo beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans, kidney beans, or even cooked lentils. Each alternative will bring a different flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while stir-frying the vegetables. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a milder heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick!
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).