
One-Pot Zucchini and Tomato Pasta with Fresh Herbs
A vibrant and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh herbs, all cooked together for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 tablespoon olive oil
- •1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- •2 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons or 1/2-inch cubes
- •1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- •4 cup vegetable broth
- •12 oz short pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- •0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- •0.3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- •1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
- • to taste Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Stir in the zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to slightly soften.
- 4
Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the dry pasta, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 7
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Chef's Tips
- 💡Choose a short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or rotini for best results in a one-pot dish. Spaghetti can also work if broken in half.
- 💡Stir the pasta frequently during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- 💡If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it's fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water (1/4 cup at a time) until it reaches your desired doneness.
- 💡For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end, just before serving.
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