Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a delightful and nutritious dish that can be prepared in no time. This recipe combines the freshness of spring vegetables with the comforting simplicity of pasta, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

The key to a successful One-Pot Pasta Primavera lies in choosing the right ingredients and timing each stage carefully. With its bright colors and flavors, this dish makes an ideal addition to your weekly menu rotation. Let's dive into how you can make it yourself!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious serving:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your pasta. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Salt the boiling water generously before adding the pasta.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Slice or chop all mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, simply cut them in half if they are large; otherwise, leave whole.

3. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.

4. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan with the garlic and sauté for another two minutes or until they start to soften slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage.

5. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander but reserve about half a cup of pasta water. Return the drained pasta back into the pot used for cooking or another large pan if needed to combine everything.

6. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the sautéed vegetables along with cherry tomatoes to the cooked pasta. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly, allowing them to warm through briefly without overcooking the pasta further.

7. Stir in fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences. If required, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly for better consistency.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe serves four people and takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish - including preparation time before cooking and serving.

Enjoy your homemade One-Pot Pasta Primavera! Don’t forget to garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• You can experiment by adding other vegetables like broccoli florets, spinach leaves, or bell peppers depending on personal preference and availability.
• For a creamier texture, add a small amount of heavy cream towards the end when combining pasta and vegetables.
• To enhance flavor, you might consider including some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

In conclusion, One-Pot Pasta Primavera offers an easy yet satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant colors and flavors characteristic of spring produce. Its versatility allows you to adjust both ingredients and serving sizes based on dietary needs or additional preferences such as vegan options which could involve replacing dairy products with suitable alternatives like plant-based milks.