Garden Pasta Delight

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking to bring a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors to your table, this Garden Pasta Delight is the perfect choice. Packed with colorful vegetables and a hint of aromatic basil, it's not just a feast for the taste buds, but also for the eyes.

Ingredients for Garden Pasta Delight

Spaghetti: The base of this dish, providing a hearty foundation to soak up all the flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic undertone.
Cherry tomatoes: Provide a pop of sweetness and a touch of acidity.
Zucchini: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a satisfying texture.
Bell peppers: Brighten up the dish with their vibrant color and crispness.
Broccoli florets: Bring a subtle, earthy taste and are full of nutrients.
Peas: Add a hint of sweetness and a little pop with every bite.
Fresh basil: Lends a fragrant, peppery aroma that ties the dish together.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled over the top for a savory touch that enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer your vegetables more tender, cover the skillet for a few minutes while sautéing.
  • Try adding a splash of the pasta cooking water to the skillet to help bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • For a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet with the garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A slice of crusty bread on the side can help to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fettuccine.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
No problem. You can use dried basil, but start with a smaller amount since it's more concentrated.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is very flexible. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or even asparagus.

Garden Pasta Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don't rinse it – you want to keep that starchy coating.

In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma.

Next, add your cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and peas to the skillet. Sauté everything for about 5 to 7 minutes. Your goal here is to get the veggies tender but still crisp – you want them to retain a bit of bite.

Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the veggies. Use tongs or a fork to gently toss everything, making sure the pasta gets coated with all those lovely juices and flavors.

Finally, sprinkle in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined and the cheese has melted into the pasta. Serve immediately while it's hot and enjoy every bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A healthy choice loaded with a variety of veggies.
  • Versatile and easily adaptable to what's in season or in your fridge.
  • Packed with fresh flavors that bring a touch of summer to your plate.

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup peas
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and peas to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
4. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the vegetables.
5. Add fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine all ingredients thoroughly and serve hot.

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