Mama Delilah's Pasta Primavera

Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, Mama Delilah's Pasta Primavera is the ultimate celebration of seasonal vegetables. This easy yet elegant pasta dish combines al dente penne with a medley of garden-fresh ingredients, including tender-crisp zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli, along with juicy cherry tomatoes and peas. Sautéed in a luscious mix of olive oil, butter, and garlic, the veggies are coated in a light Parmesan-basil sauce that perfectly complements the dish’s wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired vibe. Ready in just 45 minutes, this quick and healthy pasta primavera recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, vegetarian meals, or any occasion that calls for a bright and flavorful centerpiece. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil for an irresistible finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Yellow squash, halved and sliced
• 1 medium Zucchini, halved and sliced
• 1.5 cups Broccoli florets
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup Frozen peas
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 0 to taste Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4

Toss in the red bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cherry tomatoes soften slightly and the peas are warmed through.

Step 6

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 7

Slowly pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to create a light sauce that clings to the pasta. Use just enough to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1445.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2210.1

Total Fat 84.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 133mg	0%
Sodium 3126.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 25.5g
Protein 78.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 705.0mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 2806.6mg	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: 33.3%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 53.0%