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Simple Pasta with Vegetables

Simple Pasta with Vegetables is a quick, colorful 20‑minute dinner made with fresh veggies, garlic, and your favorite pasta. It’s flexible, budget‑friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want something easy, cozy, and homemade.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta any shape you like
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 –4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small zucchini sliced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Optional: mushrooms broccoli, peas, basil, or a splash of cream

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in well‑salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still bright.
  4. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
  7. Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve warm with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.