Description
This Creamy Veggie Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with fresh sautéed vegetables. The combination of zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of garlic creates a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the cooked vegetables. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the veggies evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy vegetable sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy veggie pasta immediately while hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure Parmesan cheese is suitable or use a vegetarian alternative.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking when tossed with sauce.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano depending on your preference.
