Description
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and healthy Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with a medley of sautéed fresh vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, finished with Parmesan cheese and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This quick and colorful meal is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb Pasta of choice (like penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp Salt (for pasta water)
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green)
- 1 medium Zucchini (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup Carrots (julienne or sliced thin)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (roasted)
- 2 cups Spinach or kale (added at the end)
Other Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then add bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and toss together to combine. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help blend the flavors and loosen the mixture.
- Add Greens and Final Seasoning: Stir in the spinach or kale and cook just until wilted. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and toss in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pasta primavera warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
- Roasting cherry tomatoes ahead of time enhances their sweetness, but you can also sauté them directly with the other vegetables.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor if desired.
