One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Zucchini

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant weeknight pasta dish simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs, ready in 30 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, zucchini, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large pot, add 1 tbsp salt and cook penne until al dente (8 minutes), drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add diced zucchini and cook 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in peas and chicken broth, simmer 3 minutes until peas tender.
  5. Step 5: Return drained pasta to skillet, add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, basil, and parmesan.
  6. Step 6: Cook 2 minutes, stirring until sauce coats pasta, season with salt.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Zucchini take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Zucchini?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Zucchini?

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 Pasta with Peas and Zucchini 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Pasta with Peas and Zucchini?

Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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