Delicious One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables

One-pot pasta dishes have become incredibly popular in recent years due to their simplicity and the ability to create a delicious meal without too much effort or time. If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner option, this One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your busy schedule.

This dish features a combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a light yet flavorful sauce. It's perfect for a family meal or as a quick lunch when you're short on time. The recipe is easy to follow, and it requires minimal preparation. You can have this dish ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) of pasta such as penne or fusilli
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups of vegetable broth or water
Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will help the pasta cook evenly and prevent it from sticking together.

Add your chosen type of pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally so that the noodles don't stick together. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but usually, pasta is ready in 8-10 minutes depending on the brand.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft. This should take about 5 minutes or so.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir for another minute until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly when cooked at high temperatures, which can ruin your dish’s flavor.
Next, add in the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, red pepper flakes if you wish to include some heat, and season with salt and black pepper according to taste preferences.
Once the pasta is done, drain it but keep a cup of pasta water. Drain any excess liquid from your vegetables and then return everything back into the pot containing the pasta along with half a cup or so of reserved pasta cooking water (this helps thicken the sauce).
Gently toss all ingredients together until they are well combined and the flavors meld nicely.
If necessary, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

Why This Dish is Special

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you prefer your pasta al dente or soft, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. Similarly, by adding various vegetables like broccoli florets instead of zucchini, or even some mushrooms for extra depth, you can make it more customized to suit personal tastes.

One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge. It allows you to clean out the crisper drawer while enjoying a hearty meal. Plus, since most of the work happens in just one pot, cleanup is minimized too!

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

For optimal flavor, make sure not to overcook your vegetables; they should still have some crunch.
If you find that your sauce has become too dry towards the end of cooking, simply add a bit more pasta water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving can add an extra layer of freshness and color to your meal.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables is a wholesome, nutritious, and satisfying dish that caters well to various dietary needs. From its quick preparation time to its flexibility in accommodating different vegetables, it truly offers versatility without compromising quality or taste.

Cooking for yourself or someone else? Try out this simple yet delicious recipe today! You won't regret adding this delightful meal into your weekly menu rotation!