Delicious Vegetable-Packed Pasta Recipes for a Healthier Diet

Looking for a way to make your pasta meals healthier and more flavorful? Including a variety of vegetables in your pasta dishes is a fantastic way to boost both the nutritional value and the taste of your meals. In this article, we will explore five delicious and nutritious pasta recipes that are packed with vegetables. By following these recipes, you can create meals that not only satisfy your taste buds but also contribute to maintaining a healthy diet.

Vegetarian Pasta Primavera

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne) 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add mixed vegetables and sauté until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Toss in the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells 2 cups ricotta cheese 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) 1 cup marinara sauce 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis (spiralized) 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted) Salt and pepper to taste Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, sauté the zucchini noodles over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Add cherry tomatoes and pesto, mixing to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then serve topped with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan.

Mushroom and Broccoli Alfredo

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine 2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups mushrooms, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp butter (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli to the boiling pasta water. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and mushrooms until tender. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini) 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) 1 cucumber (diced) 1/2 red onion (diced) 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced) 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled) 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

These recipes are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients from the vegetables. Embrace the joy of cooking with vegetables and enjoy a healthier diet while savoring delicious meals!

Keywords: vegetable packed pasta, healthy vegetable pasta recipes, gluten-free vegetable pasta