Pasta Ortolana (Italian Garden Pasta with Seasonal Vegetables)

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Pasta all'Ortolana - Vegetarian Garden Pasta

Pasta all'Ortolana is a traditional Italian dish that celebrates fresh, seasonal vegetables. It's light, healthy, and full of vibrant flavors, making it the perfect choice for a hearty yet wholesome meal.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min

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Ingredients

• 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative, grated

Instructions

1. Dice the zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the onion.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
5. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
6. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
7. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly softened (about 2 minutes).
8. Add the diced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the skillet.
9. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
10. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
11. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
12. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
13. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine.
14. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the vegetables.
15. Divide the pasta among serving plates.
16. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative.
17. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Pasta all’Ortolana!

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Classic Italian Garden Vegetable Pasta

Pasta ortolana is a celebration of simple Italian cooking, using fresh, seasonal vegetables and pantry staples to create a comforting yet vibrant dish. This garden pasta recipe is naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt based on what’s in season, making it a staple for home cooks who love flexible, produce-forward meals.

Serve pasta ortolana as a light main course or alongside grilled proteins, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. If you enjoy vegetable-driven Italian recipes, explore more globally inspired pastas and date-night dishes from our kitchen.

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