Quick Vegetarian Meals for Two: 20-Minute Pasta Primavera

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring frequently and cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the vegetables and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2 minutes.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables.
6. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached, and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese if using.
7. Serve the pasta primavera immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.