Spaghetti with Gai-Lan & Veggies – Easy Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Meal

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Spaghetti With Gai-Lan & Veggies – Easy Recipe For A Quick Weeknight Meal

Hey everyone! I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This Spaghetti with Gai-Lan & Veggies is exactly that. It’s a little fusion fun – blending Italian pasta with the wonderful, slightly bitter taste of Chinese broccoli. Trust me, it works beautifully! I first made this when I was craving something different, and it’s become a regular in my weeknight rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. Plus, the combination of Italian seasoning and a touch of chili flakes gives it a really unique and satisfying flavor. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

• 1 lb Angel hair spaghetti
• 5 sprigs Chinese broccoli/Gai-lan
• 1 cup tomato, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 no. green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (or more, to taste!)
• ?? tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 ?? teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure everything turns out perfectly:

• Gai-Lan (Chinese Broccoli): This is the star! It has a lovely, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the pasta. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never used it before. It’s super nutritious, packed with vitamins, and adds a wonderful texture. You can usually find it at Asian grocery stores.
• Angel Hair Spaghetti: I love using angel hair because it cooks so quickly – just 4 minutes! It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight meal. If you can’t find it, you can use another thin spaghetti, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Italian & Asian Fusion: This recipe is all about bringing together the best of both worlds. The Italian seasoning provides a familiar warmth, while the Gai-Lan and chili flakes add an Asian-inspired kick. It’s a surprisingly harmonious blend!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Add the angel hair spaghetti and cook for about 4 minutes, or until it’s al dente – meaning it still has a little bite to it. Drain it and set it aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it starts to soften.
3. Next, toss in the chopped green bell pepper and carrots. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender-crisp.
4. Now, add the Gai-Lan and cook for another 3 minutes, until it’s slightly wilted. You want it to still have a little crunch.
5. Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed chili flakes, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together really well, making sure the pasta is coated in all that delicious sauce.
7. Finally, remove from the heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Perfectly Al Dente Spaghetti: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be firm to the bite. Start checking it at 3 minutes and taste it frequently.
• Prepping the Gai-Lan: Trim the tough ends of the Gai-Lan stems and separate the leaves. You can slice the stems thinly, as they take a little longer to cook.
• Spice Level Control: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just ½ teaspoon of chili flakes. You can always add more later!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free spaghetti! There are some great options available now that hold their shape well.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili flakes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: Use pre-chopped vegetables to save even more time.

Serving Suggestions

This spaghetti is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

• A side of garlic bread for soaking up all the sauce.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, of course!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat spaghetti would work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• What can I substitute for Gai-Lan if it’s unavailable? Broccoli rabe or even regular broccoli would be a decent substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• How can I make this dish ahead of time? You can chop the vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then combine everything when you’re ready to cook.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? Yes! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches for the week.
• Can I add protein to this dish? Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be delicious additions.