One Pan Orecchiette Pasta Primavera
Pairing pasta with lots of vegetables is an easy way to keep mealtime healthy during the holidays.
I was asked to participate in the #PastaFits campaign as a member of the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network. Â I was compensated for my time, but as always, all opinions are my own.
Are you feeling it yet? Â The stress of the holidays is creeping up, and it’s time to start thinking about all things turkey and stuffing, and cookies and sweets. Â And let’s not forget about black Friday, and the love and joyousness that occurs in the mall parking lots. Â I know we all say this every year, but how is it possible that it’s November already? Â Giant gulp and panic attack.
Because this time of year is already way too short on time and far too loaded with food, I think it’s especially nice to have a few days here and there when you don’t have to worry about what to make dinner and whether or not it’s good for you. Â For me, that means 2 things: one pan meals, and vegetables. Â And I think the best way to pull off a delicious and satisfying one pan meal that’s full of healthy vegetables is to rely on one of my favorite kitchen staples – pasta.
I know you’re thinking, Â “Pasta? Â All those carbs can’t be good for you!” right? Â Well, actually, pasta is a great source of complex carbs which keep you fueled throughout the day, whether your day involves hours of holiday shopping, or not. Many brands of pasta also come in a whole wheat version, which can satisfy up to 25% of your daily fiber requirement (if you haven’t tried them in a while, give them another taste). Â It’s also low in sodium, cholesterol-free, and a good source of folic acid. Â The thing I love best about pasta, is how easily it can pair with lean proteins and lots of vegetables to make a quick and satisfying meal.
I used Orecchiette pasta for this dish. Â Orecchiette means “little ear” in Italian, which is kind of cute in a slightly creepy sort of way. Â I love they way they’re shaped like tiny bowls, which is so totally perfect for catching bits of the light cream sauce. Â This dish also has 5 different types of vegetables in it. Â Yep – I dare you to think that pasta isn’t healthy!
Do you know there’s a trick to making one pan pasta?  It’s so ridiculously easy, I want the entire world to start doing it.  Just sauté any vegetables first, and then add 8 ounces dry pasta plus 2 1/2 cups of broth to the pan.  Bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.  Add a bit more broth, or my personal favorite, a drizzle of cream, and dinner’s ready!  Easy peasy!
[bctt tweet=”Get a #healthy dinner on the table in minutes w/ one pan Pasta Primavera #PastaFits #AD”]
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 large cloves of garlic minced
- 1 medium zucchini quartered lengthwise and then sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil and herbs, sliced into julienne slices
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning herb mix
- 2 1/2 cups orecchiette pasta or other small shaped pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 pound thin asparagus tough ends snapped off and tips and stems cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups baby spinach lightly packed
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional 1/2 cup cream, parmesan cheese to pass at the table
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large sauté pan on medium high heat, and sauté onion, garlic and zucchini until light golden. Add sun dried tomatoes and Italian herb mix. Stir to combine.
- Add dried pasta and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- When pasta is just about tender, place asparagus and spinach on the top of the pasta and cover to let the spinach wilt and asparagus cook until just tender, about 2 more minutes.
- Stir the mixture and if desired, add the cream, or if the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Serve immediately, passing parmesan cheese at the table if desired.
Have you ever made one pan pasta? Â What’s your favorite flavor combo?
Eat well!
This looks awesome! Orecchiette is such a fun pasta!
Thanks Jessica 🙂
Orecchiette is such a fun pasta! Love this recipe–pinning for later!
Thanks for stopping by Karman! Hope you have a chance to try it!
this looks a yummy and filling dinner. I don’t typically go for pasta but i would love this since there are many veggies added!
Thanks so much Rachel – I do think pasta and veggies go well together, and it’s a tasty way to eat more vegetables 🙂