Description
This Simple and Delicious Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and healthy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta tossed with sautéed seasonal vegetables, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Perfectly balanced with flavors and colors, it’s an easy-to-make meal ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) (Choose your preferred type of pasta.)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Adds depth of flavor.)
- 1 each Red Bell Pepper (sliced) (Adds color and sweetness.)
- 1 each Yellow Bell Pepper (sliced) (Adds color and sweetness.)
- 1 each Zucchini (sliced) (Provides a tender and juicy element.)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved) (Contributes sweetness and acidity.)
- 1 each Carrot (julienned) (Adds crunch and natural sweetness.)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach Leaves (Adds vibrant color and nutrients.)
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves (torn) (Optional, for aromatic finish.)
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) (Enhances flavor with a salty, nutty profile.)
- Salt (To taste.)
- Black Pepper (To taste.)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook bell peppers and carrots: Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers and julienned carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add zucchini and tomatoes: Stir in sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Wilt the spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Toss in the pasta: Return the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing with the sautéed vegetables. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help combine all ingredients.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning: Remove from heat, taste the pasta, and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.
- Add basil leaves: Add torn fresh basil leaves and toss gently to distribute the aromatic flavor.
- Serve: Serve the pasta primavera immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency.
- Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you like such as asparagus, peas, or mushrooms.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want a gluten-free version.
- To make it vegan, omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also be added alongside basil for extra flavor complexity.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
