Pasta Primavera Recipe

Pasta Primavera is the vibrant, veggie-packed classic you crave when you need a little sunshine on your plate. With tender penne, crisp-tender vegetables, and a lemony, garlicky sauce, it’s a fresh celebration of color and flavor—ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pasta Primavera is all about using simple ingredients that shine on their own and together. Each component adds a little something—whether it’s a pop of color, a tender bite, or a hint of zest—that turns a humble weeknight meal into something special.

• Dry Barilla Penne Pasta: Penne’s tubular shape perfectly catches every drop of the lemony, garlic sauce and veggie bits.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the vegetables—don’t hold back!
• Olive Oil: A generous amount is key to sautéing and bringing richness to the sauce.
• Red Onion: Adds a little sweetness and beautiful color when sautéed.
• Carrot: For a pop of bright orange and a bit of tender crunch.
• Broccoli Florets: Cut small so they cook quickly and evenly—a green, hearty backbone.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, vibrant, and a little juicy in every bite.
• Yellow Squash & Zucchini: Duo acts as a subtle sponge, soaking up all the flavors while keeping things light.
• Garlic Cloves: Absolutely non-negotiable; minced fresh garlic makes the sauce sing.
• Grape Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness that brighten up the whole dish.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Just two teaspoons add a familiar, herby aroma with every stir.
• Pasta Water: The starchy secret to a silky, slightly creamy sauce—never skip reserving it!
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Just enough to add zest and tie all the flavors together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Shredded and divided—some melts into the pasta, some gets showered on top.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a punch of color and freshness at the very end.

Variations

One of the beauties of Pasta Primavera is its adaptability—think of the recipe as a framework you can riff on, no matter what’s hiding in your crisper drawer. Whether you’re working around dietary needs or just mixing things up, there’s a version for everyone.

• Swap the Pasta: Use farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat or gluten-free varieties—the sauce will cling just as lovingly.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even cannellini beans for extra oomph.
• Veg Out: Sub in asparagus, snap peas, or mushrooms for more seasonal flair or to use what you have on hand.
• Go Vegan: Replace parmesan with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free delight.

How to Make Pasta Primavera

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your penne until just al dente according to the package instructions. Right before you drain, scoop out about half a cup of pasta water—this will help your sauce cling later. Don’t forget this step!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Carrot

While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high. Add the sliced red onion and carrots and sauté for just about 2 minutes until the onions start to soften and the carrots become vividly orange but are still crisp.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Bell Pepper

Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper strips straight to the skillet, giving everything a good toss. Let them cook for another 2 minutes so they get just-tender but keep their beautiful hues and crunch.

Step 4: Stir in Squash and Zucchini

In go your squash and zucchini. These softer veggies only need 2 to 3 minutes—they should look glossy and just fork-tender, but not mushy. The idea is a medley of slightly different textures.

Step 5: Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spices

Add in all the garlic, halved grape tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for two more minutes—just long enough for the tomatoes to release a little juice and the garlic to become fragrant. Can you smell the magic yet?

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish

Transfer all those sautéed veggies into your now-empty pasta pot or a big serving bowl, then mix in the drained penne. Drizzle in lemon juice, sprinkle with a pinch more salt if needed, and toss it all together, gradually adding reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and coats every noodle.

Step 7: Cheese, Parsley, and Serve

Top your Pasta Primavera with half the parmesan and all the chopped parsley, tossing gently so the cheese melts in. Serve right away with the rest of the parmesan sprinkled over each bowl. The fresh herbs and cheese add the perfect finishing flair.

How to Serve Pasta Primavera

Garnishes

A flurry of extra parmesan and more fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra brightness and zing. Even a light drizzle of good olive oil brings a gorgeous finish.

Side Dishes

Pasta Primavera goes perfectly with a leafy green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. For something even heartier, warm, crusty focaccia or homemade garlic bread is a fabulous partner to mop up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Creativity counts with Pasta Primavera: pile it high on a vibrant platter for a family-style feast, portion it into elegant pasta bowls for dinner parties, or serve it in individual ramekins as a side at your next brunch. Edible flowers or microgreens on top always wow!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. The veggies will soften a bit more, but the flavors become even more pronounced—making tomorrow’s lunch a treat!

Freezing

Pasta Primavera is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, do so before adding the final cheese. Cool quickly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen the sauce and revive the vegetables. The microwave works in a pinch, but take care not to overcook as the veggies can lose their vibrancy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Primavera is like a little celebration of spring on every plate—simple, quick, and bursting with garden-fresh flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it, play with your favorite veggies, and experience how satisfying a big bowl of fresh pasta can be. Give it a go, and don’t forget to savor every colorful bite!

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