Vegetarian One-Pan Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, herb-packed pasta dish with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and a creamy cashew sauce, all cooked in one pot. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole wheat pasta, medium zucchini, pint cherry tomatoes 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.

★ 3.8 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz whole wheat pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced zucchini; sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups broth, 1 cup cashews, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Fold in cooked pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/4 cup grated parmesan (if using).

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian One-Pan Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Vegetarian One-Pan Pasta Primavera?

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 whole wheat pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian One-Pan Pasta Primavera?

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 Vegetarian One-Pan Pasta Primavera 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 Vegetarian One-Pan Pasta Primavera 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.

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