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Easy One-Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera

one-pot creamy pasta primavera - featured image
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A quick, creamy, and comforting one-pot pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and a luscious cream cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or any short pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the bell peppers and zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the onion and garlic (about 10 minutes prep).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add diced bell peppers and zucchini; cook for about 4 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add dry penne pasta and 4 cups vegetable broth. Stir gently to submerge pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid.
  5. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Check pasta for tender but firm texture at 12 minutes.
  6. Lower heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese in chunks until sauce is silky and coats pasta.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 2 more minutes to warm tomatoes.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss in fresh chopped basil last.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it. Use softened cream cheese to avoid clumps. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking. For vegan or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, pasta primavera, quick dinner, healthy dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/easy-one-pot-creamy-pasta-primavera-recipe-perfect-for-quick-healthy-dinners/