Description
This Creamy Veggie Pasta recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, combined with sautéed zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic. It’s a comforting, flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook the mixture until the vegetables become tender, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly into the cream.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy vegetable sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy veggie pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- You can add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
- This dish can be prepared gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta.
