Delicious Pasta Primavera Recipe
A vibrant and healthy Pasta Primavera featuring penne pasta tossed with sautéed seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make, colorful dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 10 ounces dried penne pasta
- Salt, as needed
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli, sliced into small pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium yellow squash, quartered and sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 heaping cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Liquids & Cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onion and carrot and sauté for about 2 minutes until slightly tender. Add broccoli and red bell pepper and sauté another 2 minutes.
- Finish Cooking the Veggies: Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are nearly softened. Then add minced garlic, grape tomatoes, and dried Italian herbs, sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Move the sautéed vegetables into the empty pasta pot or a large serving bowl. Add the drained pasta, drizzle fresh lemon juice, and season with additional salt if needed. Toss everything together while gradually adding the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce until desired consistency is reached.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Toss in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with the chopped fresh parsley, mixing well to incorporate. Serve immediately, topping with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your flavorful Pasta Primavera!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help coat the pasta evenly.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor; seasonal veggies can be substituted.
- For a vegan option, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the savory flavors.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; aim for tender-crisp for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Pasta Primavera, vegetarian pasta, Italian vegetables, penne pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, healthy pasta recipe
Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/delicious-pasta-primavera-recipe/
