Description
This One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a quick and delicious vegetarian meal combining penne pasta with fresh vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all cooked together in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this simple stovetop recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté garlic: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced zucchini, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Add pasta and broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add spinach and peas: Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the fresh spinach and green peas. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the peas are heated through.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta and vegetables evenly.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm for a comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian and enhance flavor.
- Choose fresh veggies in season for the best taste and texture.
- If using frozen peas, rinse them briefly under warm water before adding.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream for a lighter or richer sauce.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness and aroma as a garnish.
- Stir regularly during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
