Spring Veggie One-Pot Spaghetti

Celebrate the arrival of the season with Spring Veggie One-Pot Spaghetti, a vibrant and easy pasta dish designed for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This recipe is the ultimate solution for busy evenings, bringing together crisp vegetables and tender pasta in a single pot for a wholesome meal that tastes like spring in every bite.

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The magic of this dish happens as the spaghetti simmers directly in the vegetable broth. Instead of draining away the cooking liquid, the starch from the pasta helps create a light, silky sauce that coats the vegetables perfectly. It is an efficient way to cook that ensures every ingredient is infused with the aromatics of garlic and onion.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried spaghetti
• Vegetables: 150 g (1 cup) frozen or fresh peas, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes (halved), 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced), 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• Liquids: 1 L (4 cups) vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Zest of 1 lemon
• Garnish: 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian alternative), Fresh basil leaves, to serve

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti, peas, spinach, and cherry tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Step 3

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in the lemon zest.

Step 5

Remove from heat. Divide among plates and top with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make preparation as smooth as possible, use a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board to prep all your vegetables before you start the heat. A large pot is essential to give the spaghetti enough room to submerge, and using a high-quality zester will help you harvest the fragrant lemon zest without the bitter white pith.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly adaptable. For an extra boost of fiber, try using whole-wheat spaghetti. If you want to increase the protein content, simply add a drained can of chickpeas during the boiling stage. To make this dish completely dairy-free or vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with your favorite vegan nutritional yeast blend.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this vibrant spaghetti immediately while the steam is still rising from the pot. It pairs beautifully with a crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which highlights the acidity of the tomatoes and the brightness of the lemon. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves to add a final aromatic touch to the plate.

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With its bright colors and fresh ingredients, this Spring Veggie One-Pot Spaghetti is a celebration of simple, Italian-inspired cooking. It proves that you don't need a sink full of dishes to create a meal that is both beautiful and delicious. Enjoy your quick and healthy spring dinner!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas?

Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully and may cook slightly faster. If using fresh peas, add them in step 2 and adjust cooking time as needed. Fresh spring vegetables maintain their texture beautifully in this one-pot preparation.

→ What if I don't have vegetable broth?

You can substitute with water or chicken broth. For enhanced flavor, consider using broth with Italian herbs. Water will work in a pinch, though it may result in a less flavorful broth to absorb into the pasta.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally throughout cooking, especially in the first few minutes after adding the pasta. The constant stirring helps distribute heat evenly and prevents clumping as the pasta cooks and absorbs the broth.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! A drained can of chickpeas adds plant-based protein and hearty texture. You could also incorporate white beans, grilled chicken, or crispy tofu. Add protein in step 2 to ensure even heating throughout cooking.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

This one-pot dish is best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture since the pasta continues absorbing liquid.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. The dish remains flavorful with the vegetable broth, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy umami flavor if desired.