Pasta Primavera with Fresh Veggies
Pasta Primavera with Fresh Veggies is a vibrant and wholesome dish packed with colorful vegetables and al dente pasta. This quick and easy recipe delivers fresh, healthy flavors perfect for any meal of the day. Customizable and seasonally adaptable, it combines fiber-rich veggies with pasta for a balanced, satisfying meal that excites your palate while nourishing your body.
- Author: Julia
- 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 or fusilli pasta
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later use to help create a silky sauce.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, creating a flavorful base.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini first; sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then toss in cherry tomatoes and peas, cooking just until heated through but still vibrant and crisp.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help everything meld together, stirring gently to combine all ingredients perfectly.
- Season and Finish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, finishing off with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest and most vibrant flavors.
- Do not overcook the vegetables; keep them crisp to preserve texture and nutrients.
- Reserve pasta water to create a smooth, light sauce that binds the dish together.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their brightness and aroma.
- Balance acidity with lemon juice without overpowering other flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Keywords: pasta primavera, fresh veggies pasta, healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, spring vegetables pasta