Light Pasta Primavera

Brighten up your dinner table with Light Pasta Primavera, a vibrant and healthy dish packed with fresh, seasonal vegetables and full-bodied flavor. This easy 35-minute recipe combines al dente penne pasta with a medley of zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and more, all lightly sautéed in fragrant garlic and olive oil. Wilted spinach, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and optional fresh basil add a finishing touch of indulgence to this wholesome meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, this pasta primavera recipe is a celebration of colorful ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Serve it hot and enjoy the perfect balance of comfort and freshness in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, asparagus, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5

Stir in the spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until wilted.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss to combine.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1475.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1891.4

Total Fat 48.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3216.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 29.2g
Protein 73.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 713.3mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 3416.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.5%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 62.4%