Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked pasta, bursting with vibrant vegetables and melted mozzarella, without ever leaving your home. This homemade pasta dish isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice the onion finely, mince the garlic, and cut mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with vegetables. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with vegetable sauce. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly. If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Always add a generous amount of salt to your boiling water. This is your first chance to season the pasta from within.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces. Never drain it completely!
- Cook Vegetables Al Dente: Keep your vegetables slightly crisp for better texture and nutritional value.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Cover the skillet when adding cheese to create a steam environment that helps it melt evenly.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to swap vegetables or protein based on what you have in your refrigerator. This recipe is wonderfully flexible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
