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
Scale
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.
