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Fresh and Flavorful Pasta Primavera


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  • Author: Raven
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A colorful and healthy pasta dish filled withsautéed vegetables, garlic, and tomatoes, tossed in a light lemon-Parmesansauce for a delicious and refreshing meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz dry Barilla Penne Pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ medium red onion (sliced)
  • 1 large carrot (peeled and julienned)
  • 2 cups of broccoli florets (chopped into thin strips)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (cut into thin strips)
  • 1 medium yellow squash (sliced into quarter portions)
  • 1 medium zucchini (sliced into quarter portions)
  • 34 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 heaping cup grape tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
  • 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

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
  2. Set aside ½ cup of the water used for cooking the pasta before draining it.
  3. Set the pasta aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced red onion and carrot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, yellow squash, and zucchini to the skillet.
  4. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes:

  1. Stir in the minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften slightly.

Add Seasoning and Pasta Water:

  1. Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the vegetables, then pour in the reserved pasta water.
  2. Stir to combine, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Toss with Pasta:

  1. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.
  2. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and coat the pasta and vegetables.

Finish and Serve:

  1. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  2. Serve the Pasta Primavera hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand, such as asparagus, snap peas, or mushrooms.
  • Make Ahead: Prep and sauté the vegetables in advance. Store in the refrigerator and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Sauté and boil
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired