Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, veggie packed dish that combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh, sautéed seasonal vegetables. Tossed in a light, garlicky olive oil sauce, it strikes a perfect balance between crisp freshness and indulgent flavor. This easy, beginner friendly recipe takes just about 35 minutes total, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering.
Full Recipe:
8 ounces pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup bell pepper, sliced
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli florets, and sauté until the vegetables are tender but still crisp (about 5–7 minutes).
Sprinkle the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring to meld the flavors.
Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. If needed, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to prevent dryness.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and everything is well coated.
Remove from heat and mix in the chopped fresh basil.
Drizzle with lemon juice, give one final gentle toss, and serve warm optionally garnished with extra Parmesan.
Calories: 350 per serving