Pasta Primavera
A delightful dish combining colorful fresh vegetables and pasta that captures the essence of seasonal produce, making it a perfect choice for any time of the year.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 oz Penne Pasta can substitute with gluten-free or chickpea pasta
- 1 medium Red Onion or yellow onions/shallots
- 1 medium Carrot or parsnip
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets or asparagus/green beans
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper or green/yellow/orange peppers
- 1 medium Yellow Squash or zucchini, can substitute with eggplant
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Grape Tomatoes or cherry/sun-dried tomatoes
Seasoning and Condiments
- 1 tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning can replace with fresh herbs
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice or lime juice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley for garnish
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil for sautéing
- Salt to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes optional, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a small cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Cooking
- Toss in the carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Add the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and yellow squash. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the grape tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and the reserved pasta water. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) over the pasta. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Taste and season with salt and optional red pepper flakes if you prefer additional heat.
Serving
- Remove from heat and plate the Pasta Primavera. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Pasta Primavera is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature. Offer additional cheese and red pepper flakes at the table for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 300mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5g