Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, and thinly sliced carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Stir in Cream: If using heavy cream, add it now and stir gently to combine. Allow the sauce to warm through for another 1-2 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Vegetables: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the vegetable mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up and help coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve warm for a delightful and colorful weeknight meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it for a lighter version.
- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand such as mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- For a vegan option, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from overcooking when tossed with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian