One Pot Pasta Primavera (Creamy, Fresh & Ready in 30 Minutes)
This one pot pasta primavera is bright, creamy, and packed with colorful veggies in a silky Parmesan-style sauce that comes together in one single pot. It’s fresh enough to feel light, cozy enough to feel comforting, and easy enough for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni, or cavatappi if you’re wanting a fun noodle;)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini or green beans, chopped
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 to 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or fontina (for the creamy sauce)
- Optional shortcut: ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant – caramelize the onions a bit if you want some extra richness
- Stir in garlic, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and corn and cook another minute
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil
- Add pasta directly to the pot, stirring to keep it submerged
- Lower heat and simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time until melted and silky
- Add splashes of broth as needed to create a glossy creamy sauce
- (Optional shortcut: stir in heavy cream here instead of cheese for faster creaminess)
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Finish with fresh herbs and cheese for extra fanciness 😉
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for protein
- Finish with a sprinkle of buttered bread crumbs for extra richness, flavor, and the perfect crispy texture!
- Stir in spinach at the end for a veggie boost
- Throw in broccoli or peas if you have them
- A squeeze of lemon (or a touch of lemon zest) brightens everything up and gives a little extra pep
- A pinch of red pepper flakes = chef’s kiss! 😉
If you love easy one-pot meals, don’t miss the One-Pot French Onion Pasta, made with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese for a rich, cozy flavor, and the One-Pot Lasagna, layered with creamy ricotta and hearty marinara for a quick, comforting dinner that goes from stove to table in under 30 minutes! And if you’re looking for a fresh, zippy one pot meal this One Pot Creamy Feta, Lemon, Chicken & Rice will do just the trick! And if you’re craving bold, savory comfort in one pot, this One Pot Chicken Stir Fry Pasta brings saucy noodles and tender chicken together super fast with no dishes drama!
If you love dinners that are easy, cozy, and not a dish explosion, you’ll LOVE these one pot meals: Best One Pot Meals (Easy Dinners for Busy Nights)!
And…want to know why one pot meals taste better than they should?! Here is the scoop;)
