Jewels Pasta
Bright, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors, Jewels Pasta is a vibrant celebration of wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean flair. This easy-to-make dish comes together in under 40 minutes and features al dente penne tossed with a medley of jewel-toned vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of lemon zest, each bite is perfectly balanced. A light sauce made from reserved pasta water ensures the parmesan cheese coats everything beautifully, creating a satisfying yet healthy meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a stunning centerpiece for casual gatherings, Jewels Pasta is as delightful to eat as it is to behold.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
- 1.5 cups bell peppers (red, orange, and yellow), diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the red onion slices to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Add the diced zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine.
Add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time, stirring to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped basil, lemon zest, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine.
Serve the Jewels Pasta hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
319 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.5 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 678 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.6 g | ||
| Protein | 11.7 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 511 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
