Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy Italian-American pasta dish featuring colorful seasonal vegetables, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for quick dinners, customizable with proteins and various veggies, and ideal for all seasons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, penne, or preferred pasta
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme), chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and great texture.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help bind the sauce later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add the vegetables. Cook until tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to create a light, silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Herbs, Cheese, and Lemon: Stir in fresh herbs and lemon juice for brightness. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal produce for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water to naturally thicken the sauce.
- Do not overcook vegetables; keep them bright and slightly crunchy.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice after tasting to balance flavors perfectly.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its freshest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Pasta Primavera, easy pasta recipe, healthy dinner, Italian-American, vegetarian pasta, gluten free pasta, quick meal, fresh vegetables
Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/pasta-primavera/