### Dorothy's Mostaccioli Vegetarian Pasta with Walnuts: A Delicious, SEO-Friendly Recipe
#### Introduction
Looking for a hearty yet simple vegetarian pasta dish that will impress your friends and family? Look no further than Dorothy's Mostaccioli Vegetarian Pasta with Walnuts! This recipe is packed with flavor from the earthy walnuts and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or a relaxing weeknight meal, this pasta dish is both comforting and nutritious.
#### Ingredients
- 200g mostaccioli pasta (or any tube-shaped pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Preparation of Pasta**
- Begin by cooking the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving some pasta water.
2. **Cooking Vegetables and Walnuts**
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped walnuts and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain.
3. **Sautéing Vegetables**
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the finely chopped red onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn't burn.
4. **Adding Carrots and Zucchini**
- Stir in the grated carrots and sliced zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Incorporating Tomatoes**
- Add the diced tomatoes (including any juice) to the pan and stir well.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. **Combining Pasta with Sauce**
- Gently toss the cooked pasta into the vegetable-tomato mixture.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
7. **Garnishing and Serving**
- Stir in the cooked walnuts just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
#### Tips
- To enhance the dish, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use dried herbs like oregano and thyme.
- For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking the vegetables.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread.
#### Conclusion
Dorothy's Mostaccioli Vegetarian Pasta with Walnuts is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you're hosting dinner guests or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your cooking and the satisfaction of creating a memorable vegetarian pasta experience!