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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and fresh Italian-inspired dish combining tender pasta with colorful, crisp vegetables in a light sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a quick, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for any season or occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or whole wheat pasta

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup snap peas

Flavorings and Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme), chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta cooking water.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic first to release aroma, then add the vegetables. Sauté until tender-crisp to preserve texture and vibrant color.
  4. Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with vegetables. Toss well to combine, gradually adding reserved pasta water to create a light sauce that coats everything evenly.
  5. Finish with Seasoning and Herbs: Stir in fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final toss and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcook vegetables; keep them crisp-tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
  • Use just enough olive oil to lightly coat ingredients to keep the dish fresh.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their fragrance and brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Primavera, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta, vegetarian pasta, fresh vegetable pasta