Primavera Pasta Recipe
Primavera Pasta is a light and healthy Italian dish made with fresh, colorful vegetables and tossed in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce. This Best Primavera Pasta Recipe brings together zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and spinach to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy vegetarian option. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing finish!
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or pan
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablesppons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flaskes optional
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- juice of 1 lemon optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.2. Sauté the VegetablesIn a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.Add the sliced zucchini, yellow bell pepper, red onion, broccoli, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.Stir in the cherry tomatoes, peas, and spinach leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.3. Combine Pasta and VegetablesAdd the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and stir in the fresh basil leaves.4. ServeRemove from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.Serve the Primavera Pasta hot with an optional squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.Garnish with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to use other seasonal vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or bell peppers to personalize your Primavera Pasta. The more colorful, the better!
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Make It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese substitute.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and complements the vegetables, adding a zesty kick.
