Description
Lentil Pasta with Veggies is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish combining protein-rich lentil pasta with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal, it offers a gluten-free option packed with fiber, vibrant colors, and customizable flavors to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 200g red or green lentil pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lentil pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
- Sauté the Garlic and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant and crisp.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked lentil pasta into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the pasta. Toss once more to evenly distribute the herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture; aim for al dente.
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables whenever possible for best flavor.
- Choose quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance taste and aroma.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, starting with a small pinch of salt and pepper.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed and help flavors cling better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: lentil pasta, gluten-free pasta, vegetarian pasta, healthy pasta, quick dinner, vegetable pasta
