Description
This Creamy Vegetable Pasta with Bell Peppers & Zucchini is a comforting vegetarian dinner featuring tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal that’s ready in about 35 minutes and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta of your choice
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced or diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 200 ml heavy cream or cooking cream
- 100 ml vegetable broth
- 100 g cream cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Optional Add-ins: Fresh spinach, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender-crisp.
- If using spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in now and cook until tender.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, Dijon mustard (if using), Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Stir in a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Notes
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- The sauce can be thinned with extra vegetable broth or pasta water if needed.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian