One-Pot Pasta Primavera: Easy Spring Dinner in Minutes

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Pasta primavera is a tasty and easy meal you can make in one pot. It’s full of fresh veggies and creamy cheese. You can whip up this colorful dish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe is great for using up spring vegetables. You can change up the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. The one-pot method means less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for a tasty one-pot pasta primavera:

• 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 minced shallot or small onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 sliced bell pepper
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup snap peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan

Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:

• Use any short pasta shape you like
• Swap broth for water + bouillon cube
• Replace shallot with onion powder
• Use frozen mixed veggies instead of fresh

Feel free to add other veggies you enjoy, like carrots, broccoli, or spinach. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility!

For a protein boost, toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans. You can also make it vegan by using plant-based broth and skipping the cheese.

Remember, cooking is about having fun and making the recipe your own. Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient – get creative with what you have!

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Toss in your favorite pasta shape along with broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Stir in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often. The pasta should be almost done.

Toss in quick-cooking veggies like peas and spinach. Cook for 2 more minutes until the pasta is al dente and veggies are tender.

Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Let it sit covered for 2 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the peas.

Give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your delicious one-pot pasta primavera hot and enjoy!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make your pasta primavera even better? Try these tips:

• Cook the pasta al dente – it’ll keep cooking in the sauce.

• Cut veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

• Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

For extra flavor, try these tricks:

• Toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end.

• Squeeze lemon juice over the dish before serving.

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.

Storing leftovers is easy:

1. Let the pasta cool completely.
2. Put it in an airtight container.
3. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a bit of water or broth and warm it in the microwave or on the stove. Give it a stir halfway through.

You can also freeze pasta primavera:

1. Cool the pasta.
2. Put it in a freezer-safe container.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The veggies might be softer, but it’ll still taste great!