Veggie-Loaded Pasta Stars
A fun twist on classic pasta with star-shaped noodles tossed in a tomato sauce packed with pureed bell peppers and carrots, perfect for turning picky eaters into veggie lovers. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs star-shaped pasta, medium red bell pepper, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 8 oz star-shaped pasta
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz star-shaped pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Steam 1 medium peeled and diced red bell pepper and 1 medium peeled and diced carrot for 5 minutes until tender, then blend until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 14 oz diced tomatoes and 1 tsp dried basil, then simmer for 8 minutes until sauce thickens, then add the blended bell pepper-carrot puree and simmer for 2 more minutes until fully incorporated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Veggie-Loaded Pasta Stars take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Veggie-Loaded Pasta Stars?
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 star-shaped pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Veggie-Loaded Pasta Stars?
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 Veggie-Loaded Pasta Stars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Veggie-Loaded Pasta Stars?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this veggie-loaded are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
