Pasta Primavera

 A Delightful Italian Dish

Pasta Primavera is a delightful Italian recipe that showcases seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta in a light, zesty sauce. This vibrant dish serves 4 and is perfect for spring and summer, making it a refreshing choice for any meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Add Peas: If using frozen peas, add them during the last minute of cooking to heat through.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Pasta with Vegetables: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together gently.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 4: Serve

1. Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
2. Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Pasta Primavera, bursting with fresh flavors and colors! This simple yet delicious recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the bounty of seasonal produce.

Tips:

1. Choose Fresh Veggies: Use a variety of colorful, seasonal vegetables. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds different flavors and textures.

2. Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Sauté the vegetables just until tender-crisp. They should retain some bite and vibrant color.

3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Follow package instructions but aim for al dente to keep the pasta firm. It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot veggies.

4. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save some pasta cooking water. This starchy water can help bind the sauce and adjust the consistency.

5. Flavor with Garlic: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil before adding vegetables. This will infuse the oil with flavor.

6. Toss Gently: Combine the pasta and veggies gently to avoid breaking the pasta or overcooking the vegetables.

7. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Toss in freshly chopped herbs just before serving for a burst of flavor.

8. Add Cheese at the End: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the dish right before serving for a rich finish.

9. Experiment with Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavors beautifully.

10. Serve Immediately: Pasta Primavera is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away while everything is hot and vibrant.

Enjoy crafting your Pasta Primavera!

Discover more about Italy