Craving a light, vibrant meal that screams spring and takes less than 40 minutes to prepare? Look no further! This Springtime Vegetables with Noodles recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, nutritious feast that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Packed with crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles, this recipe is a quick, delicious solution for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces noodles
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces, slice the carrots, and cut the bell peppers into thin strips.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Next, add the asparagus and bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer the Springtime Vegetables with Noodles to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Vegetable Cooking Tip: Keep your vegetables crisp-tender by maintaining high heat and stirring frequently. The goal is a slight crunch, not mushy vegetables.
- Noodle Hack: Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining. If your dish seems dry when mixing noodles and vegetables, you can add a splash to create a light, silky coating.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or dill to add an extra layer of springtime freshness.
- Protein Option: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make this a complete one-pan dinner.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest seasonal vegetables you can find to maximize flavor and nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
