Looking for a quick and easy pasta primavera recipe? This delicious dish combines fresh vegetables and pasta, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this pasta primavera is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor, making it a go-to meal for busy days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Ingredients:
- For the Pasta Primavera:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the zucchini and bell pepper, and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- If using frozen peas, thaw them under running water.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the peas, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta primavera among serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Why This Recipe is Ideal for Quick and Easy Meals:
- Fast Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses fresh vegetables and basic pantry staples that are easy to find.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Nutritious: This dish is packed with colorful vegetables, providing a variety of vitamins and nutrients.
- Vegetarian: Ideal for those following a vegetarian diet, and it can be adapted for vegan preferences by omitting the cheese.
- This Pasta Primavera recipe is a fantastic example of a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables in a single, satisfying dish.