Description
A vibrant dish of al dente pasta tossed with colorful spring vegetables and fresh herbs, perfect for a light weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss in the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, and asparagus pieces. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and vibrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water gradually to help create a light, cohesive sauce.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through.
- If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until it melts into a creamy coating for the pasta and vegetables.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the Pasta Primavera with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.
Notes
For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg