One-Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and creamy dish featuring a medley of fresh vegetables cooked together with pasta in one pot for a quick, satisfying meal. This Italian-American classic brings together the freshness of a garden with a rich, velvety sauce that the whole family will love.

Save

This easy-to-follow recipe simplifies the cooking process by simmering the pasta directly in vegetable broth. As the pasta cooks, it releases starches that help thicken the heavy cream and Parmesan into a restaurant-quality sauce that coats every piece of penne perfectly.

Ingredients

• 340 g (12 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (120 g) snap peas, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium carrot, sliced thin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 80 g (¾ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, zucchini, bell peppers, carrot, and snap peas. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 2

Add pasta, cherry tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Simmer uncovered for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta and vegetables.

Step 4

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.

Step 5

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. Essential tools include a cutting board and knife for vegetable prep and a wooden spoon for stirring. Note that this dish contains dairy and gluten; always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if you have specific dietary needs.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. For a vegan version, simply use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. You can also customize the vegetable medley by swapping or adding items like asparagus, broccoli florets, or baby spinach depending on what you have on hand.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Each serving provides approximately 540 calories, 21 g of fat, 72 g of carbohydrates, and 17 g of protein.

Save

Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a beautiful vegetarian meal for guests, this One-Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera delivers a satisfying and delicious experience with very little effort. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy sauce and fresh garden vegetables in every bite.

Keeps sponges and brushes organized beside the sink, making dishwashing and post-cooking cleanup faster and neater.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. While penne and fusilli work beautifully, any pasta shape works well. Shorter shapes like rigatoni or farfalle are ideal as they catch the creamy sauce nicely.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with oat or coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The dish will be equally delicious and creamy.

→ What vegetables work best as substitutes?

Asparagus, broccoli florets, baby spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and green beans all work wonderfully. Add heartier vegetables earlier in cooking and delicate ones toward the end.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best served fresh. You can prep all vegetables the night before and store them in containers. Cook the dish just before serving for optimal texture.

→ What wine pairs with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino complements the creamy sauce and fresh vegetables beautifully.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Keep a close eye on the pasta during the simmering stage. Stir occasionally and taste at the 10-minute mark. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches al dente texture.