One-Pot Budget-Friendly Pasta (Print Version)

Easy Italian-style one-pot pasta with fresh vegetables and Parmesan for quick wholesome meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried penne or fusilli pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices
07 - 3.5 oz baby spinach

→ Liquids

08 - 3 cups vegetable broth

→ Dairy and Seasonings

09 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
02 - Stir in diced zucchini and bell pepper; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth to the pot. Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Uncover, stir in baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum convenience
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that don't compromise on flavor
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Packed with colorful vegetables for a nutritious, balanced meal
  • Easily customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
02 -
  • Use a good quality vegetable broth for maximum flavor depth
  • Don't skip the step of sautéing the aromatics—it builds essential flavor
  • Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom
  • Add the spinach at the very end to preserve its bright color and nutrients
  • Reserve some pasta cooking liquid in case you need to adjust consistency
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed
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