Easy One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables

This delightful pasta dish is a perfect example of how you can whip up an impressive meal in one pot. The combination of tender al dente pasta, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, along with tangy cherry tomatoes creates a vibrant and flavorful dish that is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This recipe yields four generous servings in approximately 30 minutes.

One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables

• 2 cups of pasta (we recommend penne or bow-tie shapes for this)
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved (or a handful of grape tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A sprinkle of dried oregano or basil for flavor
• Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping

The preparation is straightforward. First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your chosen type of pasta and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; usually this means cooking for 8-10 minutes depending on the brand.

Meanwhile, in another smaller pan or skillet (a cast iron one works particularly well), heat up two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add four minced garlic cloves and let them gently sizzle until they begin to turn golden brown but not burnt. Be cautious here; you want just a subtle aroma from the garlic as it enhances the entire dish.

Next, toss in your sliced bell peppers along with the zucchini pieces, stirring frequently for about two minutes or until they start softening slightly. At this point, mix in the cherry tomatoes and cook them down further for another minute or so.

Once the pasta has reached its al dente stage, drain it directly into the skillet containing the garlic and vegetable mixture. Return everything to heat and stir thoroughly until all components are well combined. Taste test and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil for extra flavor, followed by some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy this hearty meal either as a main course or served alongside a crisp salad on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully well with a loaf of rustic bread to sop up any remaining sauce left in your bowl at the end of each bite.

If you have leftovers, they store excellently in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, consider freezing portions of this meal for future convenience. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings on high for about 30 seconds until heated through.

In conclusion, One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient due to its single-pan preparation method which saves time and effort in the kitchen. It offers a balanced nutritional profile packed full of vegetables while providing comfort from pasta. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner option or want to impress friends during casual gatherings, this versatile recipe fits all scenarios perfectly.