One-Pot Budget-Friendly Pasta (Printable)

Comfortable and easy one-pot pasta with veggies and Italian herbs, ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried penne or fusilli

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 3.5 oz baby spinach

→ Liquids

08 - 3 cups vegetable broth

→ Dairy & Seasonings

09 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
02 - Stir in the diced zucchini and bell pepper; cook for another 2–3 minutes.
03 - Add the uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper.
04 - Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Uncover, stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one pot, which means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying dinner.
  • Your grocery bill stays gentle because you're using affordable basics that always sit in your kitchen.
  • The kitchen fills with such a good aroma that people think you've been cooking for hours.
02 -
  • Don't rinse the canned tomatoes or drain them—every bit of that liquid helps cook your pasta evenly and flavors the entire pot.
  • If the pasta looks dry before it's tender, you can add a splash more broth because the pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat.
03 -
  • Keep the pot uncovered during the last few minutes of cooking if you want the pasta slightly firmer and the sauce more concentrated.
  • Toast your dried herbs briefly in the hot oil before adding vegetables to wake up their flavor and make them taste fresher.
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