Easy Vegetable Spaghetti in 30 Minutes

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Treat yourself to a vibrant, wholesome meal with this quick and easy vegetable spaghetti. Bursting with colorful veggies and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy a nutritious, delicious meal without the lengthy prep time.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta (Note 1: Assumes moderate 2 oz per person)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, fresh chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese

For the Vegetable Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cups vegetables, diced 1-2 inches/2.5-5 cm (Note 2)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 tsp)
  • 3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped (or substitute with a drained 375 ml can of diced tomatoes, approximately 1 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup olives, chopped or 3 tablespoons olive tapenade (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika (or adjust to taste)
  • 1 lemon (2 tsp zest, juice from 1/2 lemon)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down.
  4. Mix in Additional Ingredients: Stir in the capers, olives or olive tapenade, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend harmoniously.
  5. Add Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the vegetable sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Serve: Divide the vegetable spaghetti among plates. Garnish with optional chopped parsley, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Conclusion

This easy vegetable spaghetti is a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick, nutritious dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant garlic, and tangy capers creates a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!

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