Columbia Renaissance Square

🌷 Fresh Spring Recipe: Lemon Herb Pasta with Roasted Vegetables 🌷

Looking for a light, meat-free dish perfect for spring or Easter weekend? This bright and colorful pasta is packed with fresh vegetables, zesty lemon, and herbs. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner in your apartment kitchen.

🥕 Ingredients
🍝 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 1 zucchini, sliced
🌼 1 yellow squash, sliced
🌱 1 cup asparagus pieces
🫒 3 tbsp olive oil
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🍋 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
🧀 ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
🌿 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
✨ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

🌸 Instructions
🔥 Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread zucchini, squash, asparagus, and tomatoes on a baking sheet.
🫒 Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and roast for 15–18 minutes until tender.
🍝 Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
🧄 In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
🥗 Add roasted vegetables, pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until everything is well coated.
🧀 Finish with parmesan and fresh parsley for a bright spring flavor.
🌼 Serving Tip: Add a little extra lemon zest or herbs on top for a fresh spring touch. Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread for a perfect meal.

🐰 Perfect for spring dinners, or a fresh meat-free meal any night of the week!

💬 Do you have a favorite spring recipe? Share it in the comments! 🌱

🌶️ Happy National Chili Day! 🌶️

There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of chili—especially when it’s healthy, comforting, and easy to make right in your apartment kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, or hosting a cozy night in, this vegetarian chili is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.

🫘 Hearty & Healthy Vegetarian Chili
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook another 3–5 minutes.
Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
That’s it! Simple, affordable, and perfect for apartment cooking.

🥑 Optional Toppings
Avocado slices
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Shredded cheese
Fresh cilantro
Crushed tortilla chips

It’s the kind of cozy meal that makes your apartment feel like home.

If you try it tonight, snap a photo and share your chili creations with us! 🌶️✨