Rigatoni with vegetables

Rigatoni with Vegetables: A Flavorful and Colorful Recipe

Who doesn't love a serving of delicious pasta, full of fresh and aromatic vegetables? The Rigatoni with Vegetables recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, combining the natural flavors of vegetables with the perfect texture of pasta. This is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring a vibrant, nutrient-rich, and flavorful meal to the table.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Pasta boiling time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g rigatoni (or any preferred pasta type)
- 1 medium zucchini
- 10 champignon mushrooms
- 1 bell pepper (any color)
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (400 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 peperoncino (optional, for a spicy taste)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- A handful of fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Recipe History:
Pasta has a rich history, being a staple food in many cultures. Rigatoni, with its distinctive shape, was created to absorb sauces, making it ideal for combinations with vegetables and rich sauces. Fresh vegetables add not only flavor but also an attractive color, turning every meal into a celebration of taste and appearance.

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, cut the zucchini in half and then into thin slices, and slice the mushrooms and bell pepper. These cuts help with even cooking and the final presentation of the dish.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the peperoncino in the skillet and sauté them lightly for 1-2 minutes until they release their aroma. Remove the peperoncino from the skillet, then add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.

3. Add the zucchini and mushrooms: Continue by adding the sliced zucchini and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the vegetables for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their juice and become tender.

4. Tomato sauce: Add the canned tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors and concentrate the taste.

5. Finish with garlic and herbs: In the last minutes of cooking, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, along with the chopped fresh parsley and basil. Mix well and remove the skillet from the heat.

6. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add salted water and bring to a boil. Add the rigatoni and boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

7. Combine the pasta with the sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetable sauce. Mix everything well and put it back on the heat for 1 minute to warm everything evenly.

8. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan on top if desired. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Practical Tips:
- Choose seasonal vegetables: You can vary the recipe by adding other vegetables such as carrots, eggplants, or spinach, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Tomato sauce: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a little red wine when adding the tomatoes for a deep flavor.
- Gluten-free pasta: If you are gluten intolerant, opt for rice or quinoa pasta to keep the recipe diet-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta is a healthy and delicious option, high in fiber.
- How can I store leftovers? This recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and reheating is easy in the microwave.
- Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, it is a vegetarian recipe, but you can add meat or tofu for a heartier option.

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Conclusion:
Rigatoni with Vegetables is not just a delicious meal, but also a wonderful way to bring health to your table. This recipe offers an explosion of flavors, colors, and textures, and by adding fresh vegetables, you get not only a tasty dish but also one full of nutritional benefits. Whether you choose to serve it on fasting days or with Parmesan for an extra flavor boost, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!