This Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender zucchini, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. Best of all, it comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook Zucchini: 4. Add the sliced zucchini to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.
Add Pasta and Broth: 5. Stir in the pasta, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring to a boil.
Cook Pasta: 6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
Make it Creamy: 7. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta is fully coated.
Season and Serve: 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dish: Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Vegetable Variation: Incorporate other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta Choice: Use any short pasta shape that holds the sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Cream Substitute: For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Zucchini: Low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Pasta: Provides energy and is a good source of complex carbohydrates.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds protein and calcium to the dish.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or other low-carb pasta alternatives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Creamy and Delicious: Rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender zucchini and pasta.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, proteins, and dietary preferences.
Conclusion: Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a delicious and convenient meal that combines the freshness of zucchini with the comforting flavors of creamy pasta. This easy, one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy a satisfying and flavorful dinner with minimal effort and cleanup!