Pasta Primavera with Fresh Vegetables
This Pasta Primavera with fresh vegetables is a vibrant and healthy dinner bursting with flavor. Packed with colorful veggies, tender pasta, and creamy Parmesan, it’s an easy pasta primavera recipe perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne, bowtie pasta, or bucatini noodles
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red onion, halved and sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thin moons
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into thin moons
- 1 red or orange bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 cups baby spinach
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (or more oil for dairy-free)
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan-Reggiano
- Juice from 1 lemon
- ½-1 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½-1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then return the pasta to the pot with the heat off.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the red onion, zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes are just starting to burst. Add spinach and cook for 1 minute, just until wilted.
- Create the Sauce: To the pot with the drained pasta, add the butter, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheese is melted and a creamy sauce forms, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked vegetables into the pasta until evenly combined. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
This recipe can be easily customized for dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, or high-protein by swapping ingredients as needed.