Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further than this delightful One Pot Pasta Primavera! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered together in a light, creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort, this Italian-inspired dish is not only easy to prepare but also a wholesome choice for the whole family. Dive into this recipe and discover how you can elevate your dinner game without the fuss of multiple pots and pans!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping mixed vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic cloves finely and set aside.
- Select a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven with high sides that can accommodate all ingredients comfortably. Heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add chopped mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed. The remaining liquid will create a light, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and mince the garlic ahead of time. This way, you can simply toss everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like penne or fusilli that hold onto the sauce well. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Make sure your skillet or Dutch oven is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. This ensures even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes also work wonderfully in this dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. They’ll brighten up the dish and add a fresh touch.
- Perfect the Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle on top will enhance the flavors and add a deliciously cheesy finish to your One Pot Pasta Primavera.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
