Healthy Heart Foods
Veggie Pasta
Meat/Meat Alt

Veggie Pasta

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GlutenVegetarianBreadFruit Meal

Veggie Pasta is a nutritious dish made from a blend of pasta and various vegetables, offering a hearty option for those seeking a meat alternative. It provides a substantial source of protein, making it a filling choice for any meal.

This dish is served in various meal programs across NYC, including school meals, senior nutrition, shelter feeding, catering, and CACFP.

Chef's Tip
For best results, consider tossing the Veggie Pasta with a light olive oil dressing and fresh herbs before serving to enhance its flavor and appeal.
Allergen Info
Contains gluten; Healthy Heart Food Service offers gluten-free alternatives for those with sensitivities.
Did You Know?
Pasta has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, with its origins tracing back to ancient civilizations, where it was made from simple flour and water mixtures.
NYC Connection
In New York City, Veggie Pasta is often featured in school meal programs, promoting healthy eating habits among students while reflecting the city's diverse culinary scene.

Popular Home Recipes for Veggie Pasta

Example recipe — not from the Healthy Heart kitchen. This is a popular home-style version of Veggie Pasta shown for general reference. It does not reflect the ingredients, preparation, or allergens in meals prepared by Healthy Heart Food Service.

Veggie Pasta is a wholesome and colorful dish combining the goodness of fresh vegetables with pasta, making it a satisfying meat alternative for any meal.

Yield4 servings
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
CuisineItalian

Ingredients

  • 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red bell pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. 5Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. 6Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with vegetables.
  7. 7Sprinkle parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the pasta and mix well.
  8. 8Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Chef Tips

  • For a vegan version, omit parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Example home recipe for reference only — not used by Healthy Heart Food Service. For ingredient and allergen information about meals we serve, contact us.

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About This Item

This menu item is part of meal programs operated by Healthy Heart Food Service, serving schools, childcare centers, senior programs, shelters, and catering clients across New York City, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Nutrition information is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central database and reviewed by our registered dietician. Actual values may vary based on preparation methods and serving size. For questions about our meal programs, contact us.