One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables
A colorful, fuss-free pasta dish where everything cooks together in a single pot. The pasta simmers in a light, herby broth with tender zucchini, sweet bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, then gets finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes with barely any cleanup.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prep the vegetables.
1.Slice the zucchini into half-moons.2.Dice the bell pepper.3.Halve the cherry tomatoes.4.Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. - saute · ~4 min
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.2.Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.3.Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - boil · ~1 min
Add the pasta and liquid.
1.Add the penne pasta, zucchini, bell pepper, salt, and water to the pot.2.Stir everything together to combine.TIPMake sure the pasta is mostly submerged — a few exposed pieces are okay, they'll sink as the water heats. - simmer · ~15 min
Simmer until the pasta is tender.
1.Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.2.Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the water has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.TIPStir every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - mix · ~1 min
Finish with fresh ingredients.
1.Remove the pot from the heat.2.Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.3.Add black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. - serve · ~1 min
Plate and garnish.
1.Divide the pasta among bowls.2.Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.3.Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Stir the pot every 2-3 minutes while simmering to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- 2Cut zucchini and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the pasta.
- 3Add the cherry tomatoes after cooking so they stay bright and juicy, not mushy.
- 4For extra flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- 5If the pasta absorbs all liquid before it's al dente, add a splash of hot water and continue cooking.
- 6Leftovers keep well for 2 days; add a tablespoon of water when reheating to restore moisture.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 200g of cooked chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken along with the pasta for a more filling meal.
veganVegan
Omit the parmesan cheese and stir in 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free finish.
spicySpicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon and add a small diced jalapeño with the onion for extra heat.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace basil with fresh parsley or oregano for a different herbal profile that still pairs well with the vegetables.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins A and C
Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes provide a hefty dose of vitamin C, while zucchini contributes vitamin A for immune and eye health.
Good Source of Fiber
Whole-grain pasta can be substituted for even more fiber; as written, the vegetables and pasta still offer a solid fiber boost for digestive health.
Low in Saturated Fat
With only a small amount of olive oil and a modest sprinkle of parmesan, this dish is naturally low in saturated fat.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Smaller shapes like fusilli cook faster, while thicker pasta like rigatoni may need a minute or two longer.



