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Garden Vegetable Pasta Toss

This isn't a recipe that requires you to have exactly the right vegetables. It's a framework for turning the vegetables you already have into a simple pasta dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta such as penne, rotini, or bow ties
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup green beans cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • leftover cooked corn
  • chopped bell pepper
  • roasted vegetables
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cooked chicken or turkey

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just tender.
  3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
  4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Start With the Firm Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and carrots.
  3. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the green beans and mushrooms.
  5. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
Add the Quick-Cooking Vegetables
  1. Add the zucchini.
  2. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. The vegetables should be tender but still have some texture.
  4. If you're using bell peppers, peas, or other vegetables, add them according to how quickly they cook.
Add the Garlic and Herbs
  1. Add the garlic, basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Make the Light Sauce
  1. Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet.
  2. Add the lemon juice.
  3. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  4. The broth isn't supposed to make a heavy sauce. It's simply there to bring the flavors together and give the pasta a little moisture.
Toss Everything Together
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet.
  2. Toss gently until the pasta is coated with the vegetables and pan juices.
  3. If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
  4. Continue tossing until everything is heated through.
Finish the Pasta
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  2. Add the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  3. Toss again.
  4. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  5. Serve warm.