One Pot Pasta Primavera

Name: One Pot Pasta Primavera
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup diced onion; 1 small broccoli head (cut into florets); 1 medium carrot (peeled and cut into matchsticks); 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips); 1 cup green beans (cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; salt & black pepper (to taste); 3-½ cups chicken broth; 4 cups uncooked penne pasta (12 ounces); 1 cup frozen peas; ⅔ cup heavy cream (whisked together with ⅓ cup lukewarm water); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving); lemon juice & chopped parsley (optional for serving)

By:

Alejandro

Published:

March 26, 2026

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One Pot Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and delightful dish bursting with the colors and flavors of fresh vegetables. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce, with the crunch of crisp broccoli and the sweetness of bell peppers adding layers of taste and texture. This recipe brings the garden to your table, transforming ordinary ingredients into a delightful one-pot meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious.

The beauty of One Pot Pasta Primavera is in its simplicity. You can have a hearty and satisfying dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, all in just one pot! This makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or when you’re looking to impress guests without spending the entire evening in the kitchen. With seasonal vegetables making an appearance, you’ll soon find this dish becoming a favorite in your household. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy the explosion of flavors that await!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just a 10-minute prep and 40-minute cook time, it’s a breeze to whip up.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sauce and fresh veggies create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone going back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A rainbow of veggies makes this dish not only delicious but gorgeous on your table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free pasta or vegan versions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a rich flavor to the vegetables; extra virgin oil is recommended for its superior taste.
½ cup diced onion: Sweet onions work well. You can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
1 small broccoli head (cut into florets): Broccoli adds a nice crunch, but feel free to swap with cauliflower if you prefer.
1 medium carrot (peeled and cut into matchsticks): Carrots provide sweetness; you can use pre-cut bagged carrots for convenience.
1 red bell pepper (cut into strips): Adds vibrant color and sweetness; substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers if desired.
1 cup green beans (cut into 1-inch pieces): Green beans contribute texture; frozen green beans are also effective.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish’s aroma and flavor; garlic powder is a handy alternative.
Salt & black pepper (to taste): A natural seasoning combo that enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
3-½ cups chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a depth of flavor; vegetable broth makes a great substitute for a vegetarian dish.
4 cups uncooked penne pasta (12 ounces): Penne holds onto the sauce well; you could use fusilli or your favorite pasta shape.
1 cup frozen peas: Frozen peas add bright sweetness; fresh peas can also be used if in season.
⅔ cup heavy cream (whisked with ⅓ cup lukewarm water): The cream makes the sauce rich and satisfying; for a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce; you could use flour if you don’t have cornstarch.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving): Parmesan adds depth; pecorino or nutritional yeast could be great alternatives, especially for a vegan option.
Lemon juice & chopped parsley (optional for serving): Fresh parsley brightens everything up, and lemon juice adds a refreshing zing!

How to Make One Pot Pasta Primavera

Start vegetables: Heat a large (~3.5 quart) skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in ½ cup diced onion along with the prepared vegetables and 2 teaspoons minced garlic. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until everything starts to soften. Don’t forget to season lightly with salt and pepper.
Simmer: Pour 3-½ cups chicken broth into the skillet while tossing in 4 cups uncooked penne pasta. Bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 12-18 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add the peas halfway through—this will allow them enough time to heat through but not overcook.
Add peas: At the halfway mark in the pasta’s cooking time, uncover the skillet and stir in 1 cup frozen peas. Cover again and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente.
Add cream: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch into the whisked mixture of ⅔ cup heavy cream and ⅓ cup lukewarm water until smooth. Uncover your skillet, lower the heat to the lowest setting, and pour the cream mixture into the pasta. Stir it in quickly, letting everything simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and fold in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, separate portions in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help refresh the creamy consistency. While the texture may change slightly, a stir will bring back its creamy charm.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the pasta while it’s simmering; it should be al dente when finished. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
Fresh vegetables bring out the best flavors, so sourcing seasonal produce can elevate your dish.
To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a dash of Italian herbs.
For a more robust sauce, adding a splash of white wine before watering down the cream can create fantastic depth.

One Pot Pasta Primavera is a dish that’s truly versatile, quick to prepare, and loaded with garden-fresh goodness. You’ll find the entire family eagerly awaiting their servings, each forkful revealing a colorful medley of pasta and veggies. The creamy texture, punctuated by the crispness of the vegetables, is sure to please. Whether you’re preparing this for a chilly evening or a gathering of friends, its comforting nature ensures it will be well-received.

Experiment with your selection of vegetables and make it your own! You might discover a new favorite variation along the way. Grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a spectacular meal that brings happiness and simplicity to your dinner table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for penne pasta, you can easily substitute it with any shape you love, such as fusilli or farfalle. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as necessary!

How can I make this dish vegan?

To create a vegan version, simply swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What can I serve with One Pot Pasta Primavera?

This dish is filling enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with a light salad, crusty bread, or garlic knots for a complete meal experience.

How can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Feel free to change up the vegetable selection based on your preference or what you have on hand. Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers would be great additions! Just remember to chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.