If you have ever craved a comforting yet vibrant dish that brings the best of garden-fresh vegetables together with classic Italian flavors, this Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a satisfying meal that bursts with color, texture, and rich, savory notes. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a hearty, wholesome experience that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe plays an essential role, crafting layers of flavor and texture that make every bite memorable. From the sweetness of fresh tomatoes to the mellow aroma of garlic and the comforting heartiness of pasta, these ingredients come together beautifully in a harmonious dish.
- 8 oz pasta: Choose your favorite shape; it forms the comforting base of the dish and holds the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.
- 1 onion, diced: Delivers a gentle sweetness and foundational flavor when cooked until translucent.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 zucchini, sliced: Adds pleasant texture and fresh, mild earthiness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Offers bursts of juicy freshness that lift the tomato sauce.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: The rich and tangy base of the sauce, giving it that classic tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings herbal depth and complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: Adds a savory, salty finish that melts into the warm pasta beautifully.
How to Make Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it still has a slight firmness to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for later just in case you want to loosen the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about five minutes until it becomes translucent and softens, releasing its natural sweetness that forms the perfect base for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Next, stir in the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and sliced zucchini. Let these cook together for five to seven minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and their flavors to marry beautifully with the onion.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the canned crushed tomatoes to your pan. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for five to ten minutes. This step lets the tomatoes break down slightly and the oregano infuse its herby goodness into the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the vegetables and tomato sauce. Stir everything together so the pasta is thoroughly coated and absorbent of all those vibrant flavors. Warm it through for a couple more minutes to marry the entire dish.
Step 6: Serve with Cheese
Dish out the pasta hot and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese adds a creamy, salty counterpoint to the tangy tomato and fresh veggies that elevates every forkful.
How to Serve Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really up the wow factor. Think torn basil leaves for a fragrant, fresh herbal note or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a silky finish. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also works wonders if you love a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted garlic or a light caprese salad would also complement the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and top with colorful veggie slices or extra Parmesan shavings. You could also layer the pasta in a clear glass baking dish for a rustic look, or nestle it inside hollowed-out bell peppers for single-serving bowls bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its vibrancy and prevent sogginess, store the sauce and pasta separately if possible and combine when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the tomato sauce and vegetable mixture on its own in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. It’s best to freeze the pasta separately or cook fresh pasta to avoid texture changes when thawing and reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Then, toss in the pasta just before serving to heat through evenly without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes will give your sauce a lighter texture and sweeter flavor. Just chop them finely and cook down slightly, but keep in mind the sauce might be a bit chunkier.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
This recipe works wonderfully with classic shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti that hold onto the sauce well. Feel free to use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The flavors from the vegetables and tomatoes shine on their own without dairy.
Is it possible to add protein to this pasta dish?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even cooked chickpeas can be great protein additions that complement the vegetables and tomato sauce nicely.
How can I enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce?
Adding a splash of red wine while simmering or stirring in a teaspoon of tomato paste can deepen the sauce’s richness. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme stirred in at the end also lift the overall flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s perfect any day you want a nourishing meal without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to make it your own, enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and delicious Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Vegetables recipe combines tender pasta with a flavorful medley of sautéed vegetables and a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s enhanced with garlic, oregano, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent, enhancing the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and sliced zucchini. Cook together for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly, releasing their natural flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and dried oregano to the vegetables. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato and vegetable sauce in the pan. Stir well to make sure the pasta is fully coated and warm through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use fresh herbs like basil in place of oregano for a different flavor profile.
- To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick while simmering.
