Description
Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a quick and comforting meal combining tender pasta, fresh zucchini, and a luscious creamy sauce cooked all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this vibrant dish balances simplicity and indulgence while being easy to customize for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, laying the flavor foundation for the dish.
- Add Zucchini: Stir in sliced zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant and crisp, preserving its freshness in the creamy pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Liquid: Add your uncooked pasta to the pot followed by vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and letting the pasta absorb the flavorful broth.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating the luxurious creamy sauce that coats every bite.
- Season and Serve: Finish with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine, then plate and enjoy this comforting Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini.
Notes
- Choose pasta shapes with ridges or holes to trap sauce efficiently.
- Don’t overcook zucchini to keep its texture; sauté briefly.
- Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more cream or broth to your preferred consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pasta, zucchini pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, gluten free option, weeknight meal
