Description
This vibrant Pasta Primavera recipe is a delightful Italian-American main course featuring penne or fettuccine tossed with a colorful medley of sautéed fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic and onion, and finished with zesty lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a wholesome vegetarian dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meal that can be customized with seasonal vegetables or vegan alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Seasonings and Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma but not browning.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets, zucchini slices, red bell pepper slices, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender yet retain some crunch.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Seasonings: Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes, frozen peas, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and blend flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through.
- Finish with Cheese, Herbs, and Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well to coat the pasta and vegetables with the flavor-packed ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the pasta primavera warm, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an elevated presentation and taste.
Notes
- You can substitute or add other seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, yellow squash, or mushrooms to customize the dish.
- To make this recipe vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit them for a milder dish.