One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Hidden Veggies
A quick and easy one-pot penne pasta simmered in a tomato and basil sauce enriched with finely grated carrots and zucchini for a veggie boost kids won’t notice. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, medium (about 1/2 cup) carrot, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 5, 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
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (about 1/2 cup) carrot, grated
- 1 medium (about 1/2 cup) zucchini, grated
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup grated carrot, and 1/2 cup grated zucchini. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 3 cups water, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Stir in 12 oz penne pasta, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves until the cheese melts and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Hidden Veggies 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 Tomato Basil Penne with Hidden Veggies?
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 Tomato Basil Penne with Hidden Veggies?
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 Tomato Basil Penne with Hidden Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Tomato Basil Penne with Hidden Veggies?
Italian pasta 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
