Description
One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Summer Pasta is the perfect meal for those warm, busy days when you crave something light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With just one pot, this pasta combines the rich, creamy goodness of Parmesan cheese with the savory bite of garlic, all complemented by the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer vegetables. It’s a quick and simple dish that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
To make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Summer Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and corn. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the tomatoes start to release their juices.
Cook the Pasta:
- Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir everything together and ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Add more broth if necessary to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil for an added burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 15g