Imagine a vibrant, colorful dish that bursts with fresh vegetables and delightful flavors, ready in just 25 minutes! This Easy Vegan Pasta Primavera is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly delicious and simple. Whether you're a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe will become your new go-to weeknight dinner that will impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables. Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes, dice the bell pepper, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced zucchini and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet with vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Use a shape that holds sauce well, like penne, fusilli, or rotini.
- Don't overcook vegetables: Keep them crisp-tender for the best texture and nutritional value.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy liquid helps create a light, silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Use fresh garlic and basil for maximum flavor impact.
- For extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu to the dish.
- Experiment with seasonal vegetables to keep the recipe exciting and varied.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of plant-based cream or nutritional yeast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
