Pasta Primavera

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavor-packed Pasta Primavera, a delightful celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables and zesty Mediterranean flavors. In just 35 minutes, this recipe combines al dente penne pasta with a medley of sautéed red bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a rainbow of color and texture in every bite. Accented with fragrant garlic, a hint of bright lemon zest, and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and basil, this dish is as comforting as it is refreshing. Perfect on its own or paired with a light salad, it's an easy one-pan meal that’s vegetarian-friendly, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Cook Pasta Primavera today and enjoy a healthy, delicious dinner bursting with freshness and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium Yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and asparagus to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 4

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they just start to soften.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss together to combine.

Step 6

Stir in the reserved pasta water, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss well until the pasta is fully coated and the mixture is well integrated.

Step 7

Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently to combine.

Step 8

Serve warm in bowls or plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1507.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1984.4

Total Fat 62.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3084.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 294.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.9g	0%
Total Sugars 24.1g
Protein 73.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 977.5mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 3190.2mg	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: 27.6%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 57.9%