One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick, wholesome dinner that leaves you with almost no clean-up? This One Pot Veggie Pasta is pure weeknight magic—brimming with colorful vegetables, toss-and-go pasta, and a velvety sauce, all cooked together in a single pot. Dinner has never been so vibrant, comforting, and easy!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about One Pot Veggie Pasta is the way simple ingredients come together to create something totally satisfying. Each vegetable lends color and texture, and sturdy pantry staples bind it all into a harmonious, flavor-packed meal.

• Garlic (2 cloves): Intensifies savory flavor and brings a wonderful aromatic base to the sauce.
• Yellow Onion (1): Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the veggies.
• Carrots (2): Deliver a gentle sweetness and a delightful pop of color and crunch.
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Keeps everything silky, fragrant, and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
• Mushrooms (8 oz.): Soak up flavor and give the dish an earthy, meaty note (no meat needed!).
• Zucchini (1): Becomes tender and infuses the pasta with a garden-fresh feel.
• Red Bell Pepper (1): Offers vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and crunch.
• Rotini Pasta (1/2 lb., uncooked): Twirls up all that sauce and veggie goodness in every bite. Use your favorite short pasta shape for variety!
• Dried Basil (1/2 tsp) & Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): Classic herbs that provide Italian-inspired flavor throughout the whole pot.
• Vegetable Broth (2 cups): Cooks the pasta and veggies together, building a rich and cohesive flavor base.
• Pasta Sauce (24 oz.): Use your favorite jarred sauce—marinara or tomato basil both work beautifully for a creamy-finish.
• Mozzarella (4 oz., shredded, optional): Melts into a dreamy, bubbly topping for extra comfort—skip for a vegan twist, or sub your favorite cheese.

Variations

The true magic of One Pot Veggie Pasta is just how flexible and forgiving it is. You can truly make it your own, so don’t be afraid to swap in favorites or use up what’s in the fridge for endless combinations!

• Swap the Veggies: Try spinach, kale, broccoli, or eggplant—use what you love or need to use up!
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Leave out the cheese or melt in your favorite plant-based cheese for a vegan comfort food twist.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans with the veggies for extra heartiness (and plant power!).
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika at the end for a flavor kick.

How to Make One Pot Veggie Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics & Carrots

Begin by mincing your garlic, dicing the onion, and slicing those bright carrots. Add them all to a big, heavy-bottomed pot with the olive oil over medium heat. Allow those veggies to sizzle gently, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns beautifully soft and translucent—this creates a deliciously fragrant base for your entire dish.

Step 2: Add the Mushrooms

As your aromatics sauté, slice the mushrooms. Once they’re prepped, add them right into the pot. The mushrooms will soak up flavors, release some of their moisture, and start to brown—don’t rush this step, as the caramelization brings so much depth to the final pasta!

Step 3: Dice and Add Zucchini & Bell Pepper

While your mushrooms are working their magic, quickly dice up the zucchini and bell pepper. Next, toss them into the pot with the rest of the veggies. Along with rotini, basil, oregano, and vegetable broth, give it all a good stir to combine. The broth doesn’t need to cover the pasta completely—it’ll create a gorgeous sauce as everything cooks.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Pop the lid on your pot and crank the heat up to medium-high. Once it reaches a lively boil, give everything a big stir, then replace the lid and drop the heat to medium-low. Let your One Pot Veggie Pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks. The pasta will absorb the liquid while becoming perfectly al dente.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Cheese

When your pasta is just right, pour in the pasta sauce and stir gently to coat everything. Top generously with shredded mozzarella (or your cheese of choice). Quickly cover the pot again for just a few minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey, irresistible ribbons. Serve hot and savor every bite!

How to Serve One Pot Veggie Pasta

Garnishes

Take your One Pot Veggie Pasta over the top with a scatter of freshly chopped basil or parsley, a dusting of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast, and a tiny drizzle of good olive oil for an irresistible finishing touch. Red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper add just the right zing if you love a little heat.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines alongside a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted garlic bread. For a cozier combo, pair with a simple soup or a medley of marinated olives—there’s no wrong answer here!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve your One Pot Veggie Pasta in a big colorful bowl family-style, or portion into small ramekins for individual servings topped with oozy cheese. For extra wow, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for garden-fresh curb appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making those next-day lunches something to look forward to. Give the pasta a good stir before reheating to distribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

For longer storage, One Pot Veggie Pasta freezes well—just cool it completely and spoon into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; note that the texture of the pasta may soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavors stay just as delicious.

Reheating

You can reheat portions on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or veggie broth if needed to loosen the sauce, and cover while reheating for best results—stir gently and heat just until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real—life is busy, and sometimes you just need something cheerful, filling, and hassle-free. This One Pot Veggie Pasta is the easiest way to bring comfort and color to your table—no stress, no mess, just pure veggie-packed joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new weeknight favorite!

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