Description
A quick and budget-friendly creamy pasta dish perfect for summer evenings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (any shape you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you like!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it bubble gently for a minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every piece with that luscious creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, feel free to sprinkle in a bit of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese if desired. Dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors of summer!
Notes
Perfect for meal prepping! Can be stored in an airtight container and reheated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg