Dinner

One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera Recipe

Name: One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 18 ounces; 8 ounces; 4 cups, cut into bite-size pieces if needed; 1 teaspoon; 1/2 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon; 1/2 cup; 2 tablespoons; 1/2 cup, freshly grated

Bylina Carter June 21, 2025June 21, 2025

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Say hello to your new weeknight hero: One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera. This dish is everything you want in a comfort meal—bursting with vibrant, colorful seasonal vegetables, blanketed in a silky, crave-worthy sauce, and, best of all, made in a single pan for the easiest cleanup imaginable. Whether you’re looking to sneak more veggies into dinner or simply want something happy and hearty that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, this is the perfect recipe to warm your heart and your table.

One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re keeping things blissfully simple, but each ingredient in One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera plays a starring role in bringing texture, flavor, and SO much color to every bite. Think of this as your canvas for a truly joyful meal!

Vegetable broth: The best base for infusing every bite with savory depth—go for low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
Pasta: Choose your favorite shape! Short varieties like penne or rotini work perfectly to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Seasonal vegetables: Use what’s freshest—think bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, peas, or even cherry tomatoes; the variety keeps things interesting and colorful.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to the pot—dried oregano, basil, and thyme add warmth and flavor.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the delicate vegetables.
Pepper: A must for a hint of earthy spice.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick that perks up the creamy sauce without being too fiery.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luxurious, luscious texture that makes every forkful irresistible.
Lemon juice: This adds a pop of brightness and keeps the dish feeling light, never heavy.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: For that signature creamy finish—always grate your own for the meltiest results!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera

Step 1: Simmer Pasta in Broth

Start by bringing the vegetable broth and your pasta of choice to a simmer in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cover, then reduce the heat to low. Cooking the pasta right in the broth gives it extra flavor while making everything easy and breezy—no separate pot required!

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

When your pasta has just 7 minutes left on the clock (check your pasta’s package for exact timing), stir in the chopped seasonal vegetables, Italian seasoning, plus salt, pepper, and those lively red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir, cover again, and let the freshness of your veggies mingle with the pasta as it finishes cooking. Most of the liquid should absorb to keep things saucy but not soupy.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Lemon, and Parmesan

Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream and splash of lemon juice, then sprinkle over a blanket of freshly grated parmesan. Stir well for about a minute, just until the cheese has fully melted and turned your veggies and pasta into a glossy, golden masterpiece.

Step 4: Let Stand, Then Serve

Take the pan off the heat and let everything rest for about five minutes. This little pause gives the creamy sauce time to thicken even more, ensuring each twirl and spoonful is perfectly coated—no runny mess, just dreamy One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera ready to devour.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera

Garnishes

Pile on extra freshly grated parmesan for a rich hit of umami, or sprinkle over chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness. A twist of cracked black pepper right before serving also looks and tastes amazing on top.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some lightly toasted garlic bread to mop up every last drop of creamy sauce. If you want more veggies, add a platter of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For company, try serving One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera in shallow soup bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a scattering of microgreens. For potlucks, scoop into muffin tins and let cool until firm enough to serve as adorable, grab-and-go pasta “nests.” Or, go family-style and set the pan right on the table—no extra dishes to wash means more time to relax and enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, spoon leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch deliciously easy.

Freezing

One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in sturdy containers for up to 2 months if needed. The texture of the pasta may soften a bit after thawing, but a quick stir and a splash of cream can bring it right back to life.

Reheating

Warm servings in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to restore that luscious, silky sauce. Stir gently as it heats to keep everything creamy and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Most gluten-free pastas work well with this method, just keep an eye on the cooking time and add the vegetables based on how quickly your pasta cooks so everything is perfectly tender.

What vegetables work best in One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera?

Almost any veggie you love! Try zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, asparagus, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes for a sweet pop. Just be sure to cut them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian as written! Just double-check your vegetable broth and parmesan for vegetarian suitability, or substitute with vegetarian parmesan if needed.

Can I make One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream (like oat or cashew), and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The dish will still turn out creamy and flavorful.

Will this recipe work with whole wheat pasta?

Yes! Whole wheat pasta offers extra fiber and a heartier texture. You may need to add a splash more broth and adjust the cooking time slightly, but it’s a delightful variation.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dish that’s as cheerful as it is satisfying, you’ve simply got to try One Pot Creamy Pasta Primavera. It’s endlessly adaptable, deliciously rich yet light, and honestly—just plain fun to cook and eat. Gather your favorites, prep those veggies, and dig into something fresh and fabulous tonight!