One Pot Pasta Primavera Recipe

Introducing the weeknight hero: One Pot Pasta Primavera! Packed with fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is a symphony of flavors in a single pot. It’s not just dinner; it’s a healthy, hassle-free masterpiece that practically makes itself. Serve it solo or alongside your favorite sides – either way, get ready for a weeknight win!

Why We Love This Dish

If you haven’t already noticed, we’re huge fans of one pot recipes.

It’s not just about the deliciousness; it’s about the cooking and cleaning time being cut down to a breeze. These one-pot wonders are our knights in shining armor during busy weeks, waving goodbye to hours spent in the kitchen. The game-changer? Meal prep hacking that crafts tasty and nutritious recipes in record time!

And let’s talk about the magic of this Pasta Primavera recipe – it’s a fridge-cleaning superhero. Leftover veggies? Consider them conquered. Plus, the gift that keeps on giving: leftovers transform into perfect packed lunches or quick dinners for the rest of the week. Cook once, enjoy for days – that’s our kind of culinary efficiency!

What Is Pasta Primavera?

Often thought of as an Italian dish, pasta primavera is actually an American dish. In fact, it is believed to have been created in 1975 by chefs in a New York restaurant known as Le Cirque. However, it was made famous by a 1977 article published in the New York Times which contained the recipe for the dish. It consists of a mixture of vegetables coated in butter, cream, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. 

Today, the recipe can be found in restaurants and homes across the country and exists in a wide variety of forms. However, the basic components always remain the same.

For our pasta primavera recipe, we kept the ingredients simple, highlighting the creamy goodness of the sauce. No matter how you choose to serve it, it’s guaranteed to have your guests coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this primavera pasta are similar to fettuccine but provide a flavor that is truly unique. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Pasta – We use standard spaghetti noodles, but you could swap them out with whole wheat, high protein, or veggie noodles instead! 
• Vegetables – A small onion, broccoli florets, and button mushrooms combine to add extra nutrients and fiber, making this dish super filling.
• Broth – Chicken or vegetable broth is used to cook the noodles, infusing them with flavor. 
• Seasonings – Garlic, salt, crushed red pepper, dried Italian herbs, and black pepper combine to create a savory, slightly spicy taste. Feel free to adjust them to fit your preferences. 
• Heavy Cream – Key to creating an absolutely dreamy sauce. 
• Cheese – Grated and shaved Parmesan cheese makes this pasta primavera out-of-this-world!

How to Make This Pasta Primavera Recipe

Prepare to be amazed because this flavor-packed Pasta Primavera is about to become your go-to weeknight wonder. Believe it or not, simplicity is the secret sauce here. Just follow the steps below, and voilà – dinner will grace your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s like magic, but with pasta!

1. Combine: Add the uncooked pasta, veggies, broth, and seasonings to a large dutch oven, and stir to combine. 
2. Boil: Bring the liquid to a boil. Then, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. 
3. Stir: Add in the remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Top with extra Parmesan shavings, and serve warm! 

Variations

Flexibility is the name of the game with this Pasta Primavera recipe – it’s the culinary chameleon you’ve been waiting for! Whether you’re in the mood for a veggie-packed delight or want to toss in some protein for an extra punch, the choice is yours. This recipe is the epitome of culinary versatility.

Gluten-Free – This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting the pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. However, we have found that gluten-free pasta tends to be more delicate than regular pasta. So, we recommend checking the texture of your pasta at the 10-minute mark to make sure it does not get too mushy. 

Dairy-Free – If you’re looking to make this primavera pasta dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy products for plant-based alternatives. Personally, we have found that oat milk has the creamiest texture and works best in this dish to replace the cream! However, due to the lower fat content, we recommend using half the amount to prevent the primavera sauce from becoming too thin.  

Veggies – As far as vegetables go, this recipe lends itself to variety. Feel free to mix and match your favorites, and use whatever you have on hand. No matter what you include, this dish is guaranteed to be delicious! 

Protein – We like to use cooked chicken to bulk up this dish. However, any protein you like best could be substituted. Ground beef, ground turkey, and shrimp would all taste great. 

Storage 

Trust us, you’re going to want to make a double batch. Luckily, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, when you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If your pasta becomes too dry, add an extra splash of broth to revive the sauce! 

Due to the high dairy content, we do not recommend freezing your pasta primavera as it is likely to separate and won’t reheat well once thawed. 

Common Questions about One Pot Pasta Primavera

More One Pot Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Are you as obsessed with one-pot meals as we are? If so, you won’t want to miss out on more of our top family-favorite dishes! 

• This One Pot Spaghetti with Ground Beef has all the classic flavors you love and is perfect for weeknight dinners, large gatherings, and everything in between. 
• An easy take on a childhood favorite of ours, this One Pot Macarona Bechamel is rich, creamy, and comforting. 
• Quick, nutritious, and delicious, it truly doesn’t get better than this One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rotini!
• One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta is super refreshing and beyond easy to make.