Veggie Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a simple and healthy dish with cooked pasta and a fresh tomato-based sauce. It’s full of colorful vegetables and flavor, perfect for a quick family meal.
I enjoy eating this and pretending I’m a chef on a cooking show. Honestly, I feel like I’ve made a fancy dinner in no time!
To keep it quick, I use pre-chopped vegetables and canned tomatoes. It saves time and still tastes great—my little trick for busy weekdays.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes are the base of the sauce. I prefer ripe Roma or cherry tomatoes for sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, canned diced tomatoes work great and are super convenient.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma. I love mincing fresh garlic for a punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder — just halve the amount to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Olive Oil: Gives richness and helps sauté. Extra virgin is best for flavor, but regular olive oil is fine if that’s what you have. Use less if you’re counting calories, since it’s calorie-dense.
Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach boost texture and health. I recommend chopping them small so they cook quickly. Frozen mixed vegetables are a quick alternative, just thaw first.
Pasta: The star starch. Use any type you like—penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free. Cook until just al dente, as it will soak up some sauce flavor. Save some pasta water to adjust consistency.
How do I sauté vegetables without burning them?
Sauté vegetables on medium heat. Start with oil and garlic for 1 minute, then add vegetables. Stir often to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust if they start sticking or browning too fast. Soft, tender vegetables are the goal.
- Use a wide skillet for even cooking.
- I find 5-7 minutes works for most veggies—I like them slightly crisp but cooked through.
- If they seem to brown too quickly, turn down the heat and add a splash of water to soften them.
How to Make Veggie Pasta with Tomato Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Sauces
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Add the rest of the vegetables
Add bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix in the tomato sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Combine pasta and sauce
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve
Transfer to plates. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley. Enjoy your veggie pasta with tomato sauce!
