Description
This Easy One Pot Pasta Primavera is a flavorful, colorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Combining penne pasta with fresh mixed vegetables in a creamy parmesan sauce, it’s an effortless recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 4 cups mixed fresh vegetables (broccoli florets, julienned carrots, chopped yellow pepper, diced zucchini, frozen peas)
Finishing
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (vegetarian if needed)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Add olive oil to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté the sliced red onion and minced garlic for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release their flavors.
- Add pasta and broth, then simmer: Pour in the penne pasta and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, stirring often, for 12 minutes until the pasta is nearly cooked through but still slightly firm.
- Add vegetables and continue cooking: Prepare the mixed fresh vegetables while the pasta cooks. Add them to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining some bite and texture.
- Finish with cream, butter, and cheese: Stir in the butter, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, tossing to evenly coat the pasta and vegetables in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Serve and garnish: Dish the pasta primavera onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce after removing from heat, preventing mushiness.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly and maintain a tender-crisp texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian, or chicken broth if preferred for added richness.
- Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
