If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food with a vibrant, fresh twist, this Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, bursting with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and the wholesome goodness of garden veggies. Parmesan cheese enriches every bite, creating a harmonious balance between creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. This recipe is easy to whip up on any weeknight yet impressive enough to share with friends or family, making it a true favorite to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to the success of this dish. Each item plays a key role: the pasta brings heartiness, the veggies add vibrant colors and textures, and the cream and Parmesan pull everything together with indulgence and richness.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Provides the perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and veggies.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor while sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, diced: Gives a sweet, savory base when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 zucchini, sliced: Offers a mild, tender crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings a slight sweetness and stunning red hue.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts with bright, juicy tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the cream.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, enriching every bite with silky smoothness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth and a cheesy finish that ties flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire plate.
How to Make Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin with a big pot of boiling salted water and cook your penne pasta exactly according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta comes out perfectly al dente, giving you that satisfying bite that stands up to the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up the flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently so they soften and release their delicious aroma, forming the savory base for your sauce. Keep the heat moderate to avoid browning; you want a sweet, fragrant start.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In go the zucchini slices, chopped red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these until the veggies become tender but still retain some texture, and the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. This step is essential to building that fresh, garden-fresh character that sets this pasta apart.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring gently as the sauce warms and thickens beautifully. The cheese will melt smoothly and infuse the sauce with an irresistible savory richness. Keep stirring until you get that perfect creamy consistency that coats everything delightfully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add your cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta is luxuriously coated in the creamy veggie mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this will bring all the flavors into perfect harmony. Give it a final toss and it’s almost time to enjoy!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
The finishing touch is a scatter of fresh basil leaves right on top. Their bright, fragrant aroma adds a fresh contrast to the creamy richness and vibrant veggies. Serve this dish hot for the ultimate comforting yet fresh meal experience.
How to Serve Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice, but you can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper for visual appeal and an extra flavor burst. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top can add a delightful brightness just before serving.
Side Dishes
This comforting pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce, turning every bite into pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this dish in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers for added color and elegance. Individual ramekins or clear glass bowls showcase the layers of colorful veggies and creamy sauce, making the meal feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to one month. To preserve texture, slightly undercook the pasta next time if you anticipate freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of cream or milk to bring back the luscious sauce texture. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating and keep your Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce and veggies due to its shape, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle depending on your pantry and preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep the savory, cheesy flavor without dairy. The veggies and pasta remain the same for a wholesome vegan meal.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu cubes make excellent additions. Just cook your chosen protein separately and toss it in during the final pasta combining step for a complete and satisfying meal.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can use grape tomatoes or even chopped ripe Roma tomatoes as alternatives. They’ll offer a similar sweetness and juiciness that enhances the creamy sauce beautifully.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water, cream, or milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer on a low simmer while stirring until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how easy and rewarding it is to make this Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. Grab your ingredients and give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to share around the table.
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Creamy Veggie Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Veggie Pasta is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender penne pasta with a medley of sautéed vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it makes a perfect comforting meal for vegetable lovers seeking a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the vegetables. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables nicely, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy vegetable sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy veggie pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a vegetarian cheese.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead and simply toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
