Flavorful Rice Pasta with Fresh Veggies and Savory Sauce

Ingredients

- 8 oz rice pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add 8 oz rice pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 7–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper, cooking for 5–7 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil, and honey until well combined.

4. Combine and Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat all vegetables.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is distributed.
- If using, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top as a garnish.

5. Serve Hot:
- Transfer the pasta to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the mix of flavors and textures.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time:
- PT10M
- 10 minutes

- Cooking Time:
- PT30M
- 30 minutes

Total Time

- PT40M
- 40 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Rice pasta
- Vegetable pasta
- Easy dinner
- Quick meal
- Healthy pasta
- Stove cooking
- Vegetarian dinner
- Pasta recipe
- Gourmet dish
- Weeknight meal

Recipe Yield

- Serves 4 adults

Calories

- 1,200 calories for the entire dish

#DinnerIdeas #HealthyEating #VegetarianRecipes #PastaLovers #EasyCooking