my fav *PASTA* recipe!✨❤️

Ingredients

• 250 g Whole Wheat Pasta (penne or fusilli, cooked al dente)
• 2 cups Mixed Vegetables (diced bell pepper, carrot, zucchini or any favorite veg)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 400 g Canned Diced Tomatoes (drained, use one standard 14‑oz can)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Puree (optional, for richer sauce)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs (mix of oregano and basil)
• ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• ½ cup Grated Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar or a blend; shredded)
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn, for garnish)
• ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)

Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables

   Dice the mixed vegetables, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside in separate bowls.

   Time: PT10M

2. Boil Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole‑wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Sauté Onions

   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium heat

4. Add Garlic

   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium heat

5. Create Tomato Base

   Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato puree (if using). Sprinkle in dried herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: Medium‑low heat

6. Add Vegetables

   Add the diced mixed vegetables to the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet retain a slight bite, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑low heat

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Drain the pasta using the colander. Transfer the pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Medium heat

8. Melt Cheese

   Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and evenly distributed, about 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium heat

9. Garnish and Serve

   Turn off the heat, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

8 g