Description
Fresh and Flavorful Pasta Primavera with Seasonal Veggies is a vibrant, light, and satisfying pasta dish perfect for any occasion. It combines tender penne with an array of seasonal vegetables sautéed to perfection in olive oil, finished with a touch of Parmesan and fresh parsley. This dish is quick to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz. dry Barilla penne pasta
- Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ medium red onion, sliced
- 1 sizable carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips
- 2 cups of broccoli, broken into small, bite-sized florets
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into quarter portions
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into wedges
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. Lightly season with salt and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but still have a crunch.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add halved grape tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, letting them soften slightly.
4. Season and Deglaze
- Stir in dried Italian seasoning and fresh lemon juice.
- Pour in reserved pasta water and simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a light sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Vegetables
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Gradually stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Toss to combine.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with an extra drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- You can swap penne for another pasta like fusilli or spaghetti.
- To make it vegan, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
- Add protein by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Save extra pasta water in case the sauce needs more liquid after combining the pasta and veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired