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The foundation of any great recipe lies in its ingredients. In the case of Summer Garden Pasta, it’s all about embracing the freshness and quality of seasonal produce. Let’s take a closer look at the key components that make this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

Summer Garden Pasta

Embrace the flavors of summer with a delicious Summer Garden Pasta recipe! This dish combines whole wheat spaghetti with fresh, vibrant vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and yellow bell peppers, all tossed in olive oil and aromatic basil for a delightful taste experience. Perfect for warm weather dining, this pasta highlights seasonal ingredients while offering a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether it's a cozy dinner or a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz whole wheat spaghetti

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the Veggies: Stir in the diced zucchini and yellow bell pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.

        Combine with Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

          Season and Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with additional fresh basil if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4