Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Pasta Curry with Vegetables is incredibly versatile and full of flavor. The curry spices, combined with creamy coconut milk, create a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a one-pot wonder, so there’s minimal cleanup required, making it a perfect dish for busy nights. The variety of vegetables adds color, texture, and nutrition, while the curry flavor adds warmth and depth to the dish. It’s an easy, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

For the pasta and vegetables:

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice of short pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium carrot (peeled and sliced)
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup bell pepper (diced)
1 cup zucchini (diced)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For the curry sauce:

1 tablespoon curry powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for added color)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the vegetables:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the sliced carrots, cauliflower florets, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add the spices:

Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

3. Add the pasta and liquids:

Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth (or water), and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Stir everything together.

4. Simmer and cook:

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Check occasionally and stir to ensure the pasta isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water or broth.

5. Add the peas:

In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas (if using). Continue cooking until the peas are heated through.

6. Season and serve:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you prefer more heat, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein option: Add cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for added protein. Simply stir them into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spicy version: If you like it spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper along with the vegetables.
Vegetable variety: Feel free to swap the vegetables for others you have on hand, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, or green beans.
Vegan version: This recipe is already vegan if you use vegetable broth and coconut milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover One Pot Pasta Curry with Vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the pasta curry for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in a pot on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini works best because it holds the sauce well, but long pasta like spaghetti or linguine can be used too.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Just be sure to check that the vegetable broth is also gluten-free if necessary.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. You can cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a bit more broth or water to restore its creamy texture.

4. Can I add coconut flakes for more coconut flavor?

Yes, adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes as a garnish would enhance the coconut flavor and add a lovely texture.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! If you want it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper, add chopped fresh chilies, or stir in a spoonful of chili paste for an extra kick.

6. Can I make this dish without coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, like almond milk or cashew cream, for a similar creamy consistency.

7. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this dish. You can add them directly to the pot, just be mindful that they may cook a little faster than fresh vegetables.

8. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add more vegetables to this dish to suit your taste. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even eggplant would all be great additions.

9. Can I make this recipe without the curry powder?

If you don’t have curry powder, you can make your own spice blend with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. You can also substitute with garam masala for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic in the pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes. Quick-release the pressure and stir before serving.

Conclusion

One Pot Pasta Curry with Vegetables is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of curry with the heartiness of pasta and the freshness of vegetables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit and will leave everyone satisfied. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something filling and full of flavor, without the mess of multiple pots and pans!