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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera
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Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and fresh Italian-American pasta dish featuring colorful, seasonal vegetables cooked to perfection and tossed with tender pasta in a light, flavorful sauce. This healthy and customizable meal is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings while providing a satisfying and nutrient-rich option.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne, fettuccine, or farfalle pasta

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
  • 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or parsley or thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces, keeping cherry tomatoes whole or halved for bursts of sweetness.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: Add firmer vegetables first, like asparagus and bell peppers, cooking until slightly tender. Then add the quicker-cooking vegetables such as peas and cherry tomatoes, cooking just until heated through.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly and combine all flavors.
  6. Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh herbs and lemon juice, then sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Fresh herbs add brightness that dried herbs can’t match.
  • Keep some vegetables slightly crisp for texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Primavera, fresh pasta, vegetable pasta, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/pasta-primavera/