Easy Vegetable Pasta Dinner with Broccoli and Mushrooms.

 Looking for an easy summer dinner that is simple to prepare and assemble? Think pasta, mushrooms, and broccoli.

It has been quite a while since I last made pasta, but for some reason, I was now really craving it. I don't make it often because I try to keep the carbs in check, so I came up with a compromise—why not mix it up with lots of vegetables?

The result was a simple plant-based meal that felt both comforting and satisfying. I need to use gluten-free pasta, but honestly, any pasta would work just fine. To make the dish a little more nutritious (and colorful!), I tossed in steamed broccoli and sautéed mushrooms. 

The lightly steamed broccoli added nutrients and freshness, while the mushrooms brought a rich, savory flavor that made the whole dish taste much more special than its humble ingredients.

After visiting our local farmer's market the other day, I loaded up with greens such as romaine lettuce, arugula, dandelions greens, and fresh cilantro- so I made a hearty greens salad to go with the meal. Paired together, the pasta and the salad made a light yet filling meal that was perfect for a warm evening.

My simple salad of a variety of summer greens and some chickpeas and
avocado that was made 4 days ago and stored in a Mason jar in my ref ridge. 

Sometimes the simplest dinners are the ones that hit the spot the most for me. A simple pasta dish was easy to prepare, loaded with vegetables, and exactly what I was in the mood for. 

In the future, if I don't want to eat the carbs, I could make this meal using spiralized zucchini instead of pasta, which I also enjoy. Just saying!!

Do you love pasta? Do you eat it often? 

Recipe serves 2

Ingredients: 

1/2 pound of gluten free pasta (any pasta works), boiled and drained

2 cups of lightly steamed or sautéed broccoli

2 cups of sautéed sliced mushrooms

2 and 1/2 cups tasty marinara sauce (I use 365 brand organic fat free)

Salt and cracked pepper to taste

Directions: 

Assemble ingredients. Add pasta, lightly steamed broccoli, and sautéed mushrooms to a large rimmed skillet. Pour sauce on top to completely cover and heat till sauce begins to bubble. Serve immediately. Top with your favorite protein if desired. 

My Notes: 

1. Summer Salad Ease: Make your salad in advance and store in sealed Mason Jars- salad stays very fresh for about 4 days. One prep- 4 nights worth of salads. 

2. Farmers Market Greens: I'm loaded with farmers market greens because everything looked so good that I bought too much. Gotta eat them!!!!

3. 365 brand is Whole Foods Brand

4. You could probably sauté the mushrooms and broccoli together in one skillet, I didn't because I wanted the broccoli greener and firmer. You could also add a protein such as tofu to the saute.