Vegetable Pasta
A vibrant and wholesome pasta dish tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables and a homemade tomato-basil sauce. This simple, satisfying meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and comes together in about 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
- d.Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- e.Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the fresh tomato sauce base
- b.While pasta cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Score an 'X' on the bottom of each tomato.
- c.Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, until the skins start to peel back.
- d.Transfer tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel the skins off.
- e.Roughly chop the peeled tomatoes and blend them into a coarse puree. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the vegetables
- b.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens.
- d.Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the sauce
- b.Pour in the fresh tomato puree. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
- c.Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, black pepper, and 0.25 tsp salt.
- d.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and serve
- b.Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- c.If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- d.Stir in the fresh basil and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip reserving the pasta water! The starch in it helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
- 2Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Add spinach at the very end as it wilts quickly.
- 3For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce while it simmers.
- 4This dish is great for meal prep. Store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when ready to eat for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan. Ensure your pasta is egg-free.
gluten freeGluten free
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as one made from corn, rice, or quinoa. Cook according to package directions.
high proteinHigh protein
Add a can of rinsed chickpeas or some grilled tofu or chicken to the sauce for a protein boost.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Finely chop or grate the vegetables so they blend into the sauce. Omit the red chili flakes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Whole wheat pasta and a variety of vegetables provide a high amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Vitamins
Tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
Source of Antioxidants
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Garlic and onions also contain beneficial plant compounds.
Heart-Healthy
This dish is low in saturated fat and sodium. The use of olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of vegetable pasta is very healthy. It uses whole wheat pasta for fiber, is packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables, and features a homemade, low-salt tomato sauce. The use of olive oil provides healthy fats.