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Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini

Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini
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Creamy One Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a quick, comforting dish that combines luscious creaminess with the fresh, mild sweetness of zucchini, cooked all in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile recipe balances rich flavors and fresh veggies, delivering a satisfying, nutritious meal that can be customized to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Broth

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or your choice)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1–2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Seasonings & Optional Additions

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), optional

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base for the dish.
  2. Add the Zucchini: Stir in the sliced zucchini and sauté for a few minutes until it begins to soften but still has a slight crunch, adding freshness and texture.
  3. Combine Pasta and Broth: Pour in the dry pasta and broth, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Cook until pasta is tender, absorbing the flavorful broth.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Stir to combine and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm zucchini for best texture and flavor.
  • Monitor pasta closely to keep it al dente and avoid mushiness.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust cream and cheese amounts for desired sauce thickness and richness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it thickens too much after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pasta, zucchini pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-one-pot-pasta-with-zucchini/