Name: One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 lb rotini pasta (uncooked); 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 2 cups vegetable broth; 24 oz pasta sauce; 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, look no further than this One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of fresh vegetables and comforting pasta, all cooked together in one pot so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying. Perfectly balanced with herbs, a rich tomato sauce, and just a hint of melted mozzarella, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s versatile enough to let your kitchen creativity shine with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot with two handles sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there are two main layers of chopped ingredients. The bottom layer is made of small pieces of orange carrots and pale yellow onions mixed together. On top of this layer, on the right side and spreading toward the middle, is a bigger layer of sliced brown mushrooms with a soft texture. The colors of the mushrooms contrast well with the carrot and onion layer below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for building layers of flavor and texture in your One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe. Every vegetable adds both nutrition and color, while the herbs and broth create a fragrant base. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cloves garlic: Adds a subtle pungency and depth that’s fundamental to this pasta’s savory character.
1 yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a tender bite when sautéed till translucent.
2 carrots: Provide a slight crunch and natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the sauce.
2 Tbsp olive oil: The perfect fat to gently sauté your veggies and infuse flavor.
8 oz. mushrooms: Introduce an earthy note and meaty texture, supporting the pasta’s hearty vibe.
1 zucchini: Adds freshness and a tender bite that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 red bell pepper: For bursts of color and a hint of sweetness that brightens every forkful.
1/2 lb. rotini (not cooked): The corkscrew shape holds onto sauce and bites of veggie with every twirl.
1/2 tsp dried basil: Offers an aromatic touch that’s quintessentially Italian.
1/2 tsp dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbaceous depth that complements the other seasonings.
2 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that softens the pasta while enhancing everything around it.
24 oz. pasta sauce: Your saucy, tomatoey finish to tie all the ingredients together with richness.
4 oz. mozzarella, shredded (optional): A gooey, melty topping that makes this dish irresistible and creamy.

How to Make One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Carrots

Start by mincing the garlic and dicing the onion and carrots. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add your garlic, onion, and carrots. Sauté these until the onion is soft and translucent – this step builds the foundational flavor that makes every bite delicious.

Step 2: Add the Mushrooms

While your initial veggies cook, slice the mushrooms. Toss them into the pot once the onion has softened and keep sautéing. This will coax out their earthy flavors and add a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the tender veggies.

Step 3: Prepare and Incorporate the Remaining Veggies

Dice the zucchini and red bell pepper while the mushrooms are cooking. When ready, add these to the pot along with the rotini, dried basil, oregano, and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together; don’t worry if the broth doesn’t fully cover the pasta because it will still cook perfectly in this one-pot setup.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Place a lid on the pot, turn the heat up to medium-high, and wait for the broth to reach a rolling boil. Give the pasta a quick stir to prevent sticking, replace the lid, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and ensuring the lid goes back on every time.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once your pasta is tender, stir in the pasta sauce to coat every bite with rich tomato goodness. If you like the idea of melty cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, cover the pot again, and let it sit over low heat until the cheese is beautifully melted.

How to Serve One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe

A white pot filled with a cooked dish showing several layers: the bottom is a rich red tomato sauce mixed with small pieces of pasta and vegetables, topped with melted white cheese spread unevenly across the surface. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding bright color contrast. The edges of the pot have some sauce marks, and the pot is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley work wonders to brighten the flavors just before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a touch of elegance and a small kick, making every plate pop with personality.

Side Dishes

To complement your veggie-packed pasta, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Both options create a balanced and satisfying meal that’s simple yet impressive.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in rustic bowls with a little grated Parmesan on top for an authentic Italian vibe. For a fun twist, layer the cooked pasta and sauce in a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden — a baked pasta delight that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The veggies hold their texture and the flavors deepen, making it an easy go-to for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer, this pasta is freezer-friendly. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat by warming gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, use the microwave, stirring midway to ensure even warming and that comforting, freshly-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, other shapes like penne or fusilli work well too. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on pasta shape and size.

What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?

This One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand—spinach, peas, or even frozen mixed vegetables make great substitutions that keep it delicious.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, simply omit the mozzarella or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The dish is naturally rich in vegetables and plant-based broth, making it a perfect vegan-friendly meal.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté phase or a splash of hot sauce before serving to give the dish a pleasant, spicy kick without overwhelming the fresh veggie flavors.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers and always replace the lid to keep moisture trapped in. The vegetable broth helps cook the pasta gently, so frequent stirring helps prevent clumping.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Veggie Pasta Recipe is one of those magical meals that’s equal parts nourishing, simple, and downright tasty. It’s a fantastic way to get a colorful variety of veggies into dinner without spending hours in the kitchen or dragging out multiple pots. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight—you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort food!