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.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Pasta Primavera, Italian pasta, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta, vegetarian pasta, fresh vegetable pasta