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Mediterranean Vegetable Penne

Mediterranean Vegetable Penne

This Mediterranean Vegetable Penne is a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 yellow squash, sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Veggies:
Add zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

Add Tomatoes & Olives:
Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.

Finish:
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

Serve:
Serve warm with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Don’t overcook the veggies – keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
  • Salt your pasta water well to enhance flavor from the start.
  • Use high-quality olive oil for that authentic Mediterranean taste.
  • Add a splash of pasta water if the dish feels dry when mixing.

Variations

  • Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
  • Make it Vegan: Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Whole Grain Option: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of hummus or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 12g
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