Description
A fresh and colorful Italian-American pasta dish loaded with seasonal vegetables. Can be served light with olive oil or in a creamy sauce, and easily adapted with chicken for extra protein. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant, healthy meal.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Vegetables:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Protein:
2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
For the Sauce (Creamy Version):
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan, grated
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli. Sauté 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook Chicken (Optional)
In a separate skillet or the same pan pushed to the side, cook chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare Sauce (Optional Creamy Version)
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine
Add cooked pasta and chicken (if using) to the vegetables. Pour in the creamy sauce or toss with a drizzle of olive oil for a lighter version. Mix gently, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetable Swap: Use any seasonal veggies like asparagus, peas, or spinach.
- Make Ahead: Cook pasta and vegetables separately; assemble and heat before serving.
- Creamy Version: For a lighter creamy sauce, substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt.
- Protein Options: Shrimp or tofu can replace chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Sautéed / Boiled
- Cuisine: Italian-American