Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Healthy Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 500 grams (You can use any type you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (instead of butter for more health benefits)
• Peas: 1 cup
• Carrot: 1 large (grated or diced into small cubes to add natural sweetness and flavor)
• Zucchini: 1 small (sliced thinly)
• Mushrooms: 1 cup (optional for additional flavor and nutritional value)
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon (for a distinctive flavor)
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
• Bechamel sauce: 1 cup (you can prepare a light version using olive oil instead of butter and low-fat milk)

Preparation Method:

1. Boil the pasta in salted, boiling water with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until cooked, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir them until they soften (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the peas and continue stirring until cooked (you can add 1 tablespoon of water if the ingredients are too dry).
4. Add the ready-made bechamel sauce and season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
5. Place the cooked pasta in a large serving dish, and pour the vegetable and bechamel mixture over it.
6. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Additional Ideas:

• To add more vegetables: You can add bell peppers of various colors or spinach to make the dish richer in fiber and vitamins.
• For flavor: Add a bit of lemon juice or lemon zest before serving for a refreshing taste.
• For a crunchy texture: You can sprinkle some toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds on top.

Dish Benefits:

• Rich in fiber: Vegetables like carrots, peas, and zucchini help improve digestion and promote a healthy digestive system.
• Good source of energy: Pasta provides energy thanks to its carbohydrate content.
• Low in fat: Replacing butter with olive oil helps reduce saturated fats and offers healthy fats that are good for the heart.
• Antioxidants: Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and A, which boost the immune system and maintain healthy skin.

       This dish is balanced, light, and ideal as a nutritious lunch                                                                                                                                                  

        Cooking Time ⏰: 20 minutes