One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-02 · Updated 2026-07-02

A vibrant and wholesome pasta dish cooked in a single pot, featuring fresh bell peppers and a fragrant tomato basil sauce. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs olive oil, garlic cloves, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium diced into 1/2-inch cubes yellow bell pepper
• 1 medium diced into 1/2-inch cubes red bell pepper
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 12 oz dried penne pasta
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Add 1 medium yellow bell pepper and 1 medium red bell pepper, both diced into 1/2-inch cubes, and cook for 4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to release juices.
4. Step 4: Add 12 oz dried penne pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately.