Experience the vibrant flavors of Pasta Primavera, a delightful Italian dish that celebrates fresh vegetables and simple ingredients. Perfect for spring and summer, this Pasta Primavera combines a medley of seasonal veggies with a light and flavorful sauce, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 ounces (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or vegetable broth (for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional garnish: Extra grated Parmesan and lemon zest
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and Chop: Thoroughly wash all the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and onion as indicated in the ingredients list. Halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Hard Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, asparagus, and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add Soft Vegetables: Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, and peas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Season: Season the vegetables with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Combine Pasta and Vegetables
- Add Pasta to the Pan: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add Cream or Broth: Pour in the heavy cream or vegetable broth, stirring gently to combine. If using cream, simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley. Toss well to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the juice of half a lemon over the pasta and stir to incorporate.
5️⃣ Season and Serve
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Plate the Dish: Divide the Pasta Primavera among serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish: Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta Primavera
- Choose Seasonal Vegetables: Use the freshest vegetables available for the best flavor. Feel free to substitute or add veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or spinach.
- Cook Vegetables Evenly: Add harder vegetables to the pan first as they take longer to cook. Softer vegetables can be added later to prevent overcooking.
- Pasta Choice: While fettuccine and penne are popular choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, including whole-grain or gluten-free options.
- Cream vs. Broth: For a lighter dish, use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream. You can also use half-and-half as a middle-ground option.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness. You can also include oregano, thyme, or chives.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor without adding extra liquid.
Conclusion
Pasta Primavera is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking that brings out the best in seasonal vegetables. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, this dish is not only visually appealing but also nourishing and satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings with friends, or any time you crave a light yet fulfilling meal.
So gather your favorite fresh vegetables, and enjoy the process of creating this Italian classic in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!
Feel free to customize this recipe by using different vegetables, adjusting the herbs, or incorporating your preferred protein. Enjoy your cooking!