One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fast, colorful, and oh-so-satisfying meal, this One Pot Veggie Pasta is your new weeknight superhero. Loaded with tender vegetables, savory herbs, and perfectly saucy noodles, everything comes together in just one pot—no extra pans, no crazy prep. It’s hearty comfort food that just so happens to be packed with nutrition and big, bold flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple veggies, pantry spices, and your favorite pasta sauce to make One Pot Veggie Pasta sing. Each ingredient—whether it’s the savory base of onions and garlic, the earthy bite of mushrooms, or the melty cheese on top—adds its own irresistible character to the final dish.

• Garlic (2 cloves): The aromatic backbone, bringing warmth and depth right from the start.
• Yellow Onion (1): When sautéed, onion brings a natural sweetness that balances out the sauce.
• Carrots (2): Cook up tender-sweet and add gorgeous pops of orange throughout.
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): The essential start for perfect sautéed vegetables and a silky sauce feel.
• Mushrooms (8 oz.): Contribute earthy flavors and satisfying texture—white, cremini, or even portobello all shine here.
• Zucchini (1): Brings a mild flavor and lovely green hue; cooks to perfect tenderness.
• Red Bell Pepper (1): Adds juicy crunch and a spectrum of sweetness to every spoonful.
• Rotini (½ lb. uncooked): The fun, spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce and veg in every twist.
• Dried Basil (½ tsp) & Dried Oregano (½ tsp): A pinch of these classic Italian herbs infuses the whole pot with herby notes.
• Vegetable Broth (2 cups): The liquid that brings all the flavors together and cooks the pasta just right.
• Pasta Sauce (24 oz.): Go classic marinara or pick your favorite; it’s what makes the dish deliciously saucy.
• Mozzarella, shredded (4 oz., optional): For luscious melted cheese on top—skip it for vegan or use your preferred cheese for a twist.

Variations

One Pot Veggie Pasta is the ultimate canvas for expressing your personal favorites and using up what you have on hand. Whether you follow a certain diet or just crave something a little different, here are a few fun ways to make this recipe your own:

• Swap Out the Veggies: Try baby spinach, broccoli florets, kale, or even diced eggplant—anything goes, and it’s a perfect way to clear out your produce drawer.
• Make it Vegan: Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free meltable cheese for plant-based comfort.
• Add Protein: Toss in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans for extra heartiness, or top with grilled tofu or chicken if you’d like.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a gentle heat and added complexity.
• Pasta Variety: Use penne, shells, or even spaghetti broken into pieces—just keep an eye on cooking time if you swap shapes.

How to Make One Pot Veggie Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Carrots

Start by mincing your garlic, dicing the onion, and slicing the carrots. In your biggest pot, heat the olive oil over medium, then toss in the garlic, onion, and carrots. Sauté gently, stirring often, until the onions turn soft and translucent—this unlocks all the natural sweetness and savoriness for a flavorful base.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Keep Sautéing

While the first veggies are cooking, slice up your mushrooms. Add them to the pot and keep everything moving for a few more minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture, intensifying the flavor and giving the pot a wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Add Remaining Veggies, Pasta, Herbs, and Broth

Dice the zucchini and bell pepper. Drop them into the pot along with the dry rotini, dried basil, dried oregano, and all the vegetable broth. Stir well—the pasta should start to soak up the liquid, but it’s fine if it isn’t fully submerged yet; everything will cook evenly as the pot heats.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Pop the lid on your pot, raise the heat to medium-high, and bring everything to a lively simmer. Once it’s bubbling, give the pasta a quick stir, replace the lid, and lower the heat so it simmers gently. Stir every few minutes (replacing the lid each time) until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Sauce and Melt Cheese

When the pasta is cooked, pour in your pasta sauce and stir well to coat everything. If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, place the lid back on, and let the pot sit for a few minutes—just until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. Your One Pot Veggie Pasta is ready to serve hot!

How to Serve One Pot Veggie Pasta

Garnishes

This dish adores a sprinkle of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a dusting of parmesan (dairy or vegan) right before serving for a hit of color and brightness. A drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper brings everything together, making your pasta look and taste even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair your One Pot Veggie Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread for dunking, or even a bowl of marinated olives for an extra Mediterranean touch. These simple sides turn dinner into a comforting (but elegant) spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the pasta into wide shallow bowls for an Italian bistro vibe, serve family-style right from the pot at the table, or twirl the rotini into “nests” and top each with a basil leaf and cheese. For lunchboxes, pack it into thermos containers—it travels beautifully and reheats like a dream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra One Pot Veggie Pasta cool, then scoop it into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days—the flavors meld even more with time, making leftovers extra delicious!

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta for up to two months—just let it cool fully before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind, the veggies will be softer after thawing but the flavors stay right on point.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your One Pot Veggie Pasta in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of broth or water if needed. The microwave works, too—just be sure to stir halfway through for even warmth and a silky sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope One Pot Veggie Pasta brings as much joy and ease to your kitchen as it does to mine! It’s an absolute dinner game-changer—fresh, flexible, and bursting with flavors that make everyone at the table happy. Give it a try and let this cozy classic become your new go-to. Happy cooking!

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