One-Pot Pasta with Zucchini

This easy and quick one-pot pasta with zucchini is a comforting dish full of flavor and veggies. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights when you want something delicious and satisfying in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a flavorful, creamy dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. With simple ingredients like rigatoni, zucchini, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors. The beauty of this dish is that it all cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The zucchini adds a fresh veggie element, while the heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni

• 2 large zucchini, sliced

• ½ white onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Crushed red pepper to taste

• 4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine ingredients:

1. In a large pot, combine the rigatoni, zucchini, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, and broth.

Cook the pasta:

2. Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12-14 minutes, or until the rigatoni is al dente and the zucchini is tender.

Add the cream and cheese:

3. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

Serve:

4. Serve the creamy rigatoni with zucchini hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 2 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: This dish is naturally vegetarian, but you can add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value.

• Protein: Add grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp to make this a more hearty meal.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or almond milk and dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free version of this dish.

• Spicy: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle in place of rigatoni.

2. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even water with some seasoning can work as a base for this dish.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble everything and cook when you’re ready to eat.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While pasta dishes like this one can be frozen, the texture of the pasta and zucchini may change once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or let the dish sit for a few extra minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.

6. Can I use canned zucchini?

Fresh zucchini works best in this recipe, but if you have canned zucchini, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the pot.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, increase the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

8. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.

9. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your broth is also gluten-free.

10. Can I add more veggies to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or even roasted cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Pasta with Zucchini is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, combined with the zucchini and rigatoni, makes for a satisfying and comforting dish. It’s versatile, customizable, and packed with deliciousness, making it an excellent go-to for any night of the week.

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