Sassy Pesto Pasta and Veggies

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 2
Sassy Pesto Pasta and Veggies, a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish
in Pasta

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 lb rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion , halved and sliced
1 green bell peppers or 1 red bell pepper , sliced into strips
2 -3 garlic cloves , minced
2 zucchini , halved and sliced
1 acorn squash ( pre roasted works best ) or 1 eggplant , peeled and diced ( pre roasted works best )
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato , cut into strips
1 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese , cubed
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds , roasted ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
416
Sugar
5g
Fat
26g
Sassy Pesto Pasta and Veggies is a colorful and vibrant vegetarian dish that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with a protein-rich basil pesto sauce. Fresh rotini pasta adds texture and flavor while the combination of spices gives it a fusion twist. The recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to make, so it is perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend brunch option. The cajun spice, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted pumpkin seeds add an additional layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

Instructions

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions.
2.While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3.Add sliced onions, bell pepper strips, and minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
4.Toss in the sliced zucchini and diced roasted acorn squash/eggplant along with seasoning of cajun seasoning, salt, lemon pepper, and sun-dried tomato strips. Stir well and cook for 5-6 minutes until zucchini is slightly tender.
5.Reduce heat and add pesto sauce; mix thoroughly with the vegetable mixture.
6.Strain and add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet; toss the pasta with the vegetable-pesto sauce until fully coated.
7.Turn off the heat and add grated parmesan cheese, cubed mozzarella cheese, and roasted pumpkin seeds (optional) to the pasta dish. Serve hot.
8.

PROS

This dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and protein-packed pesto making it a nutritious vegetarian meal; it is relatively easy to make, with minimal cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.

CONS

This dish may be too spicy for some people due to Cajun seasoning; the amount of cheese used can add extra calories and fat to the recipe.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Pesto sauce, made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties; it supports heart and gut health. It contains healthy fats and proteins from nuts and cheese. The vegetables in this dish offer essential vitamins and fiber, which helps with digestion and overall health.

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