Description
A light and flavorful pasta bowl packed with fresh vegetables, whole wheat pasta, and a simple garlic olive oil sauce. This healthy Italian-inspired dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir the fresh spinach into the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
