Half-And-Half Pasta Primavera
A vibrant twist on classic pasta where spaghetti and short-grain rice cook together for a satisfying, texturally balanced meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs uncooked spaghetti, short-grain rice, chopped zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked spaghetti
- 1/2 cup short-grain rice
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup uncooked spaghetti and 1/2 cup short-grain rice with 2 cups water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until both are tender and water is absorbed.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 1 cup chopped zucchini and 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, cooking for 5-6 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Add the cooked spaghetti-rice mixture to the skillet with vegetables, tossing to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-And-Half Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-And-Half Pasta Primavera?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep uncooked spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-And-Half Pasta Primavera?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-And-Half Pasta Primavera for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-And-Half Pasta Primavera vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
