Description
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and delicious vegetable pasta dish that combines fresh seasonal vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that highlights the goodness of fresh veggies in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Base Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
- Add Asparagus and Garlic: Add the chopped asparagus and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
- Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes start to soften.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir gently and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and colorful finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or bowtie, for variation.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the quantity of red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit them altogether for a mild flavor.
- Fresh seasonal vegetables can be substituted or added according to availability and preference.
- Reserve some pasta water while draining to loosen the sauce if necessary.
