Fast Zucchini Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Name: Fast Zucchini Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini; 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 tsp garlic (minced); 1/2 yellow onion (diced); 1 zucchini (sliced); 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (sliced); 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 14 oz pasta sauce

If your home is like mine, one-pot pasta is a staple. If not, it will be after you make this recipe! There are few meals that can compete with the delightful flavor produced by such simplistic cooking. Oh, and did I mention minimal cleanup?

Total Servings: 4

Total Cost: $17.08

Cost Per Serving: $4.27

Ingredients & Costs*

8 oz rotini ($0.98)
10 oz cherry tomatoes ($2.48)
1 tsp minced garlic ($2.16)
1/2 yellow onion ($1.10)
1 small-medium zucchini ($2.96)
4 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced ($1.98)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper ($1.44)
1/2 tsp kosher salt ($2.12)
14 oz pasta sauce ($1.86)

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*Food costs may vary and can change over time. The prices listed were the current prices of these ingredients when this recipe was made at the time of this post. Almost all our ingredients are purchased from Walmart as we live in a small town without any other options. If you notice a significant price difference, please let us know at hello@freshgains.com so we can update this post.

FAQs About Zucchini Mushroom Pasta

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta, but be mindful of its cooking time. Gluten-free pastas tend to be a bit more delicate and often are better prepared with less liquid. If using gluten-free pasta, be sure to keep an eye on its texture and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if my pasta is undercooked or overcooked?

If your pasta is undercooked, add a bit more liquid and continue to simmer until it reaches your desired texture. For overcooked pasta, you can try to salvage the dish by adding a crunchy topping such as toasted breadcrumbs which offer a nice contrast to the overcooked texture.

Can I make one-pot pasta ahead of time?

If you plan to reheat pasta, you can slightly undercook it and store it in an airtight container or bag with a bit of the sauce. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the dish without making it too mushy.

What’s the best way to add pasta to this dish?

You can easily incorporate proteins like chicken, sausage, shrimp, or tofu in this dish. Cook your protein choice separately to ensure the internal temperature reaches the point that it is fully cooked. Then add it to the pot toward the end. And if you’re looking for a non-meat protein option, canned beans make a great choice.

What vegetables work best in one-pot pasta?

Most vegetables will work well with this one-pot dish. I recommend bell peppers, tomatoes, and garnishing it with leafy greens. When adding veggies, try to use a good mix of textures and flavors.

Tips to Make This Recipe Perfect

Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta that cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Short pasta varieties like rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal as they hold up better in a one-pot method compared to longer strands like spaghetti or linguine.

Balance Your Liquid: The key to perfect zucchini mushroom pasta is the right liquid-to-pasta ratio. Too much liquid can result in a soupy dish, while too little can lead to undercooked pasta. As a rule of thumb, start with enough liquid to just cover the pasta, and adjust as needed as the dish cooks.

Don’t Forget to Taste Test: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, seasoning is crucial. As the dish cooks, be sure to taste it and add in additional salt or crushed red pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor. And f you’re in the mood to experiment, this is the perfect recipe to incorporate fresh herbs.

Remember Finishing Touches: Speaking of herbs… A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a burst of freshness and complexity to your pasta. Other good options are a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dusting of grated cheese. These finishing touches can transform a simple recipe into something exceptional.

Buy additional sauce: This recipe reheated perfectly after a few days in the fridge. But I like my pasta extra-saucy. If you’re like me, you will probably want to buy a larger jar of pasta sauce so that you can add a bit more to each container when you reheat it. A 20 oz jar should do the trick.

Add some extra garlic: Pasta dishes typically get a great flavor from the natural ingredients and the sauce – and this one is no different. If I were to change anything to this recipe, it would use 1 tbsp of minced garlic instead of 1 tsp.

Remember to stir occasionally: If you don’t stir this recipe occasionally while it’s cooking, some of the pasta may get trapped on the bottom of the jumbo cooker and burn. Stirring it a few times will ensure this doesn’t happen.