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Pasta Primavera Recipe

Fresh Pasta Primavera Recipe: A Vibrant Spring Delight

This Pasta Primavera Recipe celebrates spring with vibrant vegetables and pasta in a light olive oil sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti; choose your favorite shape.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets fresh or frozen.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers mixed colors.
  • 1 cup Zucchini sliced; yellow squash is a great alternative.
  • ½ cup Carrots sliced.
  • ½ cup Red Onion sliced; yellow or white onion can be used.
For the Flavor
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil essential for sautéing.
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced.
  • ½ tsp Salt or to taste.
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper freshly ground preferred.
  • ½ tsp Italian Seasoning mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional.
For the Toppings
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated; substitute nutritional yeast for vegan option.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice preferably fresh.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, wash and slice your fresh seasonal vegetables uniformly—1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup bell peppers, 1 cup sliced zucchini, and ½ cup sliced carrots.
  3. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and carrots; cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the broccoli and bell peppers; sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it maintains some crispness.
  5. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
  6. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing gently to combine all ingredients.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  8. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 75mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Vegetables can be prepped a day in advance. For best texture, combine both just before serving.

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