Description
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and healthy Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with a medley of sautéed fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a bright hint of lemon. This quick and easy recipe combines cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and aromatic garlic and onions, all enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delightful, colorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Fresh Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dairy & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Season: Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Drain Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water if the mixture appears dry.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the pasta is well coated.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve the pasta primavera warm, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth sauce when combining pasta and vegetables.
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook vegetables; they should retain a slight crispness.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste before serving.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
