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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera: The Best Colorful Veggie Delight You'll Love

Pasta Primavera is a vibrant dish loaded with colorful vegetables, perfect for any pasta lover.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz asparagus cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 small zucchini chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 each shallot minced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 each lemon zest of
  • Dash crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice divided
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups halved grape tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley for garnish
  • Extra parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta to boiling water. Cook for 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain well. Pour the pasta back into the pot.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the asparagus, peppers, and broccoli. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the zucchini and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until vegetables are tender but still crisp. Season vegetables with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the vegetables to a large plate or bowl.
  • Place the skillet back on the stove. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and vegetable broth. Simmer until the broth reduces by half, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
  • Stir the peas into the pot with the pasta. Stir in the cooked vegetables. Pour the lemon cream sauce over the pasta and vegetables and stir until well combined. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Gently stir in the tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
  • Pour the pasta primavera into a large serving bowl or dish. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to mix up the veggies. Mushrooms, yellow squash, artichoke hearts, carrots, spinach, and kale can also be added. You can add chicken, shrimp, beans, or tofu for a boost of protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 13gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1265IUVitamin C: 67.7mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword colorful pasta, easy pasta recipe, Pasta Primavera, vegetable pasta, vegetarian meal, Weeknight Dinner
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