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Pasta Primavera

Bright and Fresh Pasta Primavera for a Flavorful Dinner

This Pasta Primavera features fresh seasonal vegetables and offers endless customization, making it a nutritious and flavorful dinner option.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Onion Substitute with yellow onions or shallots.
  • 1 medium Carrot Parsnip can be an alternative.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Asparagus or green beans are great substitutes.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Other bell pepper colors can be used.
  • 1 medium Yellow Squash Eggplant is a good alternative.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Rich flavor alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Increase for a stronger taste.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Substitutes include cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Italian Seasoning Swap for fresh basil or oregano.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Lime juice is a great substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Basil or cilantro can be used.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast offers a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing the vegetables.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pasta Primavera
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook for 10–12 minutes until it reaches al dente consistency; reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add red onion and carrot; sauté for about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in broccoli florets and red bell pepper, sauté for another 2 minutes until vibrant.
  4. Add zucchini and yellow squash, sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes with Italian seasoning; sauté for 2 minutes.
  6. Add drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-integrated.
  7. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with salt; stir in reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  8. Remove from heat, mix in Parmesan cheese and parsley, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Prep ahead by chopping vegetables. Avoid overcooking for the best texture. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish's flavor.

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