One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
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 (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to release juices.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Colorful Veggie Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
