Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Vegetables

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Vegetables, a delightful blend of rich, cheesy goodness and vibrant garden-fresh flavors. Perfectly al dente pasta—like fettuccine or penne—is tossed in a luxuriously smooth Parmesan cream sauce made with garlic-infused butter and olive oil. A medley of tender yet crisp vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, and broccoli, adds a burst of color, texture, and nutrition to every bite. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to impress at your next dinner party. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and you’ve got a comforting dish that’s equal parts hearty and wholesome.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1.5 cups broccoli florets
• 1.25 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the diced carrots, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 7

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 10

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1187.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2297.9

Total Fat 165.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 93.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 442mg	0%
Sodium 2754.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 128.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.1g	0%
Total Sugars 12.8g
Protein 60.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1064.7mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 1014.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.4%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 22.9%