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Creamy Veg Pasta

Creamy Veg Pasta
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Creamy Veg Pasta is a comforting and fresh dish combining vibrant vegetables and a luscious creamy sauce. Easy to prepare and customizable for dietary preferences, this flavorful pasta recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight meals that nourish and satisfy.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, rotini, or gluten-free alternatives) – 8 oz (225g)

Vegetables

  • Bell peppers – 1 medium, chopped
  • Zucchini – 1 medium, chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
  • Spinach – 2 cups fresh
  • Onion – 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

Dairy and Alternatives

  • Heavy cream or coconut milk – 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast – 1/3 cup grated

Oils and Seasonings

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme) – 1 teaspoon
  • Chili flakes (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and finely dice the onion to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor release.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside while you make the sauce.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, then add the bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tender but still vibrant and crisp. Add spinach last and cook until just wilted.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk along with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the vegetables beautifully.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the pan with the creamy vegetables, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated with the silky sauce. Season with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and chili flakes to taste.

Notes

  • Choose pasta with ridges like fusilli or rotini to catch the sauce better.
  • Keep vegetables slightly crisp to avoid a mushy dish.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Use fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme for added aroma and brightness.
  • Balance flavors with a squeeze of lemon juice or additional chili flakes for depth and complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy pasta, vegetable pasta, vegetarian dinner, gluten-free pasta, dairy-free pasta, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-veg-pasta/