Description
Vegetable Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and healthy pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch. Packed with color, flavor, and texture, it’s a great alternative to heavy pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup snap peas
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta – Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics – In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables – Add bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add More Veggies – Stir in broccoli, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to keep vegetables crisp-tender.
- Season & Toss – Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked pasta and toss well. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a light sauce.
- Finish & Serve – Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
