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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera
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A vibrant and fresh Pasta Primavera recipe featuring al dente pasta tossed with a colorful medley of garden-fresh vegetables in a light, aromatic lemon and olive oil sauce. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, this dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
  • 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice all your chosen vegetables uniformly, so they cook evenly. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the vegetables, starting with firmer ones like asparagus and bell peppers, and sauté until tender-crisp.
  4. Combine Pasta and Veggies: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the vegetables. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce, then stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle toss, then plate and enjoy your vibrant Pasta Primavera.

Notes

  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the brightest flavors.
  • Don’t overcook the vegetables; keep them crisp for texture contrast.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and keep pasta moist.
  • Use high quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and flavor.
  • Add fresh chopped herbs at the end to preserve their aroma and color.
  • Customize by adding proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Try different vegetables like broccoli, sugar snap peas, or spinach for variety.
  • Make it creamy by stirring in cream or ricotta cheese if desired.
  • Swap for gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary needs.
  • Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or hot sauce if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Primavera, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, fresh vegetables, healthy dinner, Italian pasta, gluten-free pasta option

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/pasta-primavera/