Pasta with broccoli and roasted vegetables

Here is a delicious and healthy recipe for pasta with broccoli and baked vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it brings together a vibrant combination of ingredients that will delight your taste buds. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 250 g fusilli pasta
- 1 medium bunch of broccoli
- 2 large carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 green onions
- 200 g melted cheese (Hochland or another preferred cheese)
- 150 g yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for a creamy texture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A brief story about the recipe:

Pasta with broccoli and baked vegetables is a perfect example of comfort food that is healthy and can be adapted to your preferences. The origins of these pasta dishes are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, where each culture has found ways to combine fresh vegetables with carbohydrates to create nourishing meals. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for days when you want to enjoy a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the broccoli is fresh and green, and the carrots are crunchy. You can use whole grain pasta for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients, and Greek yogurt will add a creamy note to the dish. Ask yourself: what other vegetables could I add? Zucchini or eggplant are excellent choices!

Step 2: Boiling the pasta and vegetables

In a large pot, boil water with a little salt. When the water comes to a boil, add the fusilli pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. In another pot, add the broccoli cut into florets and the sliced carrots. Boil them for 4-5 minutes until they become slightly soft but still crunchy. Drain them well and set them aside for the next step.

Step 3: Assembling the dish

In a ceramic dish or baking tray, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and carrots. Mix well to evenly distribute the vegetables. Add a few tablespoons of yogurt, stirring to achieve a creamy texture. Here’s a tip: you can use yogurt to replace sour cream, providing a delicious taste and a healthier option.

Step 4: Adding cheese and fresh vegetables

Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and the green onion into rounds. Sprinkle them evenly over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Then, add the slices of melted cheese on top. If you want a more intense flavor, you can use herbed or spiced cheese.

Step 5: Seasoning and baking

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and leave it in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden. In the meantime, you can think about a fresh side dish, such as arugula salad with lemon.

Step 6: Serving

When the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, perhaps alongside a crunchy green salad or with toasted bread. And if you want to impress, add a few fresh basil leaves on top for an elegant look and an unmistakable aroma.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! You can experiment with whole grain, gluten-free, or egg pasta. Each type of pasta adds a unique touch to the dish.

2. What vegetables can I substitute?
Instead of broccoli, you can use cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini. Each variation will provide a different but equally delicious flavor.

3. How can I make this dish even healthier?
Add more vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, and use low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and fiber, while carrots provide beta-carotene, essential for eye health. Pasta provides carbohydrates, offering energy for the whole day.

Approximate calories:

Per serving, the dish has around 300-350 calories, depending on the type of cheese and yogurt used.

Possible variations:

If you want to add a touch of flavor, try including ingredients like olives or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.

This pasta recipe with broccoli and baked vegetables is an excellent choice for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Enjoy and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!