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Easy One-Pot Spring Vegetable Pasta Recipe with Creamy Sauce Perfect for Quick Dinners

one-pot spring vegetable pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring fresh spring vegetables and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup asparagus tips, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth, preferably low sodium
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), optional

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, watching closely to prevent burning.
  4. Add dry pasta and pour in vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid slightly ajar, and simmer. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, cooking for about 10 minutes.
  6. When pasta is just shy of al dente (around 8 minutes in), stir in asparagus and peas. Cover and cook for another 4-5 minutes until pasta is tender and vegetables are crisp-tender.
  7. Stir in baby spinach leaves and heavy cream or half-and-half. Cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Sprinkle fresh herbs if using and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer. If too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. Freshly grate Parmesan for best melting. Use a wide pan for even evaporation and sauce thickening.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, spring vegetables, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-one-pot-spring-vegetable-pasta-recipe-with-creamy-sauce-perfect-for-quick-dinners/