One-Pot Cheesy Pasta with Veggies 🍝 | Budget-Friendly & Delicious!

Looking for a meal that’s both affordable and delicious? This One-Pot Cheesy Pasta with Veggies is the perfect solution! Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Rest Time 5 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Cooking Method: One-Pot Recipes, Simmering

Cuisine: American, Italian

Courses: Main course

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 1

Estimated Cost: 5

Calories: 400 calories per serving (1 bowl)

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This one-pot cheesy pasta is packed with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup frozen peas (150g)
2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)
1 cup milk (240ml)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra shredded cheese

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

1
In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and zucchini, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Cook the Pasta:

2
Add the pasta, vegetable broth, and milk to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Add the Cheese and Peas:

4
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen peas, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peas are heated through.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

6
Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 25mg9%
Sodium 500mg21%
Potassium 300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 8g
Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 4000 IU
Vitamin C 20 mg
Calcium 200 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: budget-friendly recipes, one-pot meals, cheesy pasta, easy dinner ideas, affordable meals