Easy Veggie Pasta

You can have this as a side or you can add some protein (plant-based or animal) to have a complete and balanced meal. Either way, it's an easy go-to meal!

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Yields: 4-5 side servings

Ingredients:

2 cups of pasta (I used gluten-free quinoa and brown rice)

1/2 small onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 Tbsp of coconut or avocado oil

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped 

6-8 mushroom, chopped 

3/4-1 cup of marinara sauce 

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp red chili flakes 

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

salt & pepper, to taste

2-3 tsp nutritional yeast (or goat/sheep cheese) 

Directions:

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, chop all the veggies. 

2. In a saucepan, heat oil and on medium heat sauté the onions until translucent. 

3. Then add the chopped bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Next, add the mushrooms and cook until tender about 4-5 minutes. 

5. Add oregano, basil, red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, salt & pepper, and garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds.

6. Then add the chopped zucchini and cook until tender. 

7. Add the marinara sauce to heat up. Optional: add a splash of rice milk or a sprinkle of coconut sugar to sweeten it. 

8. Lastly, add the drained pasta to the pan and mix well. Turn off heat, add nutritional yeast/cheese and salt & pepper, if needed. Serve warm and enjoy! 

Note: Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand!