Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a colorful, vibrant dish that celebrates fresh seasonal vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta. This delightful recipe combines the crunch of bell peppers, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, creating a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table while being incredibly easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup zucchini (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping all vegetables.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini; cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften slightly, approximately 3 minutes.
- Toss in the cooked pasta with reserved pasta water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Remove from heat, top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of water.