Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini

Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini

Introduction

Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini is a colorful and tasty dish that combines fresh vegetables with pasta for a wonderful meal. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy lunch. With a mix of garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, it brings together simple ingredients to create a delightful flavor that everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini because it is easy, healthy, and full of flavor. It takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. Plus, it uses fresh ingredients, which can help you eat more vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dish or something light and refreshing, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

How to Make Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 small zucchinis, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for topping

Directions:

1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are just tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
5. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
6. Plate the dish and sprinkle with grated parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.

How to Serve Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini

Serve this dish warm, and enjoy it right away. It can be served as a main dish or as a side. Garnishing with extra parsley or cheese can make it look even more appealing. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make for a beautiful plate!

How to Store Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini

If you have leftovers, you can store Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can reheat it in a pan or the microwave until it is warm.

Tips to Make Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini

• Make sure not to overcook the zucchini and tomatoes, as they should be tender but still slightly crisp.
• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
• For extra flavor, adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can enhance the dish.

Variation

You can easily add protein to this dish by including grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This adds more nutrition and makes it a heartier meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

2. How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply skip the parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Enjoy making Garlic Zucchini Tomato Rotini and share it with family and friends! It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy healthy ingredients.