The simplest and super flavorful creamy vegetable pasta, made with lots of vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and feta cheese: honestly the best combination. It’s the perfect winter pasta, but can be easily enjoyed year round using sesonal vegetables.
This creamy vegetable pasta is a simple and healthy way to enjoy pasta that is filled with nutrients and protein. I really love using fresh mozzarella in as most of the pasta dishes as I can – it just adds so much flavor, while upping the protein in the dish.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Pasta of choice – use any pasta of your choice or certified gluten free.
- Onion – for flavor.
- Garlic – fresh garlic here, no powder!
- Veggies – some veggies that pair well: spinach, zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, tomatoes. But feel free to use any of the ones you already have!
- Fresh mozzarella cheese – perfect for getting that creamy flavor and added protein.
- Feta cheese – adds a nice extra layer of flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – optional to top off the pasta!
How to make this creamy vegetable pasta
Step 1: Pan fry the veggies
Pan fry all the veggies. Start by sautéing the chopped onions and the minced garlic. Then add all the veggies and make sure they’re cooked through but still slightly firm. Then, add the tomatoes and stir until the tomatoes are soft and poached.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Salt the pasta water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water just in case you want to use it later to make the dish even more creamier.
Step 3: Mix everything together
Transfer the cooked pasta to the veggies using a pasta spoon. Add the cubed cheeses and stir until the cheese starts to melt into the pasta. Optional: add some pasta water to make it creamier. Stir for about 2-4 minutes, or until the pasta absorbs the water.
Add-ins and substitutions
Make it vegan: leave out the feta cheese or substitute it for vegan cheese.
Add more veggies: add whatever veggies you have on hand: roasted broccoli, peas, asparagus, mushrooms… Just chop, roast or pan fry them and add them to the pasta!
Expert tips for creamy vegetable pasta
Make it creamier – reserve 1/4 – 1/2 cup of pasta water and add it to the pasta once mixed with the cheese and veggies to make it creamier. Stir until the pasta absorbs the water, about 2-4 minutes.
Salt the pasta water – don’t skip this step! Seasoning the pasta water with salt will help bring out all the nice and rich flavors.
More pasta recipes to try
- Creamy spicy rigatoni alla vodka (GF, RSF)
- Easy red pesto pasta (GF)
- Vegan lentil bolognese (GF, V, DF, RSF)
Make sure to tag me @cravebysaldemar on Instagram if you make this creamy vegetable pasta. To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the button on the recipe card, the buttons above or below this post, or on any of the photos above.
If you tried this creamy vegetable pasta let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest and Instagram for more delicious recipes!
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Creamy Vegetable Pasta (Gluten Free)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and comforting creamy vegetable pasta. Packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 eggplant, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, packed
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a medium pan on medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic, until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the chopped vegetables, salt, pepper, and chili flakes, and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add some more olive oil if needed. When done, set aside.
- In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Transfer the pasta directly to the vegetables pan using a pasta spoon. Add in the fresh mozzarella and the feta cheese
- Stir until the cheese has melted. Pour in extra reserved pasta water to thin and make it even creamier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy vegetable pasta, creamy veggie pasta, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, vegetables, pasta, rigatoni
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