I love the crunch of fresh zucchini, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the burst of juicy cherry tomatoes—all tossed with al dente rigatoni in one satisfying dish. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for busy nights or when I’m craving something wholesome. The best part? You can tweak it to match your mood or what’s in your fridge, creating a meal that’s uniquely yours. Ready to see how simple it is to whip up?
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Rigatoni With Garden Veggies recipe is a delightful, wholesome dish that brings the freshness of the garden to your table. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.
- Colorful and Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vibrant vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Swap veggies or add protein to suit your taste preferences.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
This vibrant Rigatoni with Garden Veggies recipe combines wholesome pasta with a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy lunch, it’s packed with flavor and easy to customize based on your preferences. Consider pairing it with a comforting dish like Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Instructions:
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes:
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Substitute pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving:
4 servings
Calories:
Approximately 400 calories per serving
Cuisine:
Italian-inspired, Vegetarian
Equipment
To prepare this vibrant Rigatoni With Garden Veggies, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment guarantees smooth prep and cooking.
- Large Pot – For boiling the rigatoni pasta to al dente perfection.
- Colander – To drain the pasta efficiently.
- Skillet or Sauté Pan – For cooking the fresh garden veggies.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board – To chop vegetables with precision.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring pasta and veggies while cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To portion ingredients accurately.
Nutrition
Rigatoni with garden veggies is a wholesome dish packed with essential nutrients. It combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with the energy provided by pasta.
- High in dietary fiber from assorted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Provides complex carbohydrates from whole-grain rigatoni for sustained energy.
- Rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to colorful veggies.
- Contains plant-based proteins from ingredients like beans or peas.
- Low in saturated fat while offering healthy fats from olive oil.
- A good source of antioxidants, supporting overall health.
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing this rigatoni with a fresh, crunchy salad or some warm, crusty bread to soak up all the flavors. A glass of white wine or a sprinkle of cheese like Parmesan or ricotta really takes it to the next level. Don’t forget seasonal fruits for a light, sweet finish to balance the meal! Consider serving it alongside a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for an exciting blend of flavors and textures, as it is packed with protein and will complement your dish beautifully.
Complementary Salads
A fresh, vibrant salad can really make this rigatoni dish shine. I love pairing it with a mix of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers—simple, fresh ingredients that balance the pasta’s richness. Adding a tangy vinaigrette brings out vibrant flavors, making every bite pop. It’s light, rejuvenating, and lets the rigatoni take center stage while giving your meal a burst of color and texture. Perfect harmony!
Crusty Breads
Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of a warm, crusty bread alongside a hearty plate of rigatoni. I love grabbing a fresh artisan loaf, slicing it thick, and slathering it with garlic butter for that extra flavor kick. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce, and it adds a rustic touch to the meal. Trust me, it’s a simple yet game-changing addition.
Wine Pairings
Pairing the right wine with rigatoni loaded with garden veggies can feel like releasing a whole new layer of flavor. I love exploring wine varieties that complement the dish’s freshness, like a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti. My go-to pairing tip? Match the wine’s acidity to the veggies’ brightness. It’s all about balance, letting the flavors shine without overpowering each other. Cheers to that!
Cheese Varieties
When I’m serving up a hearty plate of rigatoni with garden veggies, I always think about how cheese can take it to the next level. For me, the right cheese types make all the difference. I love pairing creamy ricotta for a smooth texture or sharp Parmesan for a bold kick. Experimenting with cheese pairing is fun, so don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect combo!
Seasonal Fruits
A few slices of fresh, juicy cantaloupe or a handful of ripe strawberries can be the perfect side to balance the rich flavors of rigatoni with garden veggies. I love how seasonal harvesting brings out the best in fruits, making them extra sweet and nutritious. The fruit benefits like vitamins and natural sugars add a invigorating touch, giving you a light, vibrant finish to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Rigatoni?
Yes, I can use gluten-free rigatoni! Gluten-free options let me enjoy dishes without limits. I’ll adapt my cooking techniques—like boiling pasta al dente—to keep textures perfect. It’s freeing to make meals work for me.
How Long Does This Dish Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
Store it smartly, and savor it soon! For freshness, I’d say it stays fresh for 3-4 days. Check for freshness indicators like smell or texture. Storage tips? Seal it tight, keep it cool, and enjoy freely!
Can I Substitute Another Pasta Shape?
You can swap the pasta shape if you want—I’d experiment with pasta shape varieties like penne or fusilli. Just know texture differences might change the feel of the dish, but it’s your call to make it unique.
Is It Freezer-Friendly?
Freezing’s a breeze if you’ve got the right tools. I’d recommend airtight storage containers to lock in freshness. For freezing tips, portion it out, cool it down, and you’re set for future freedom.
Can I Add Protein Like Chicken or Tofu?
I’d definitely add protein like marinated chicken or tofu to make it heartier. For chicken, I’d grill or sauté it first. With tofu, I’d press, cube, and pan-fry it for extra texture. It’s totally customizable!
