Pasta Primavera is a colorful dish filled with fresh vegetables and pasta, making it a delight to see and eat! It’s light, tasty, and perfect for any meal.
I love how quick it is to make. Just toss your favorite veggies with cooked pasta and a splash of olive oil, and it’s ready to go. Who knew healthy eating could be so easy and fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great shape for trapping the sauce and veggies. If you don’t have penne, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are key for this dish. Feel free to swap any of these with vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or spinach based on what you have. Fresh vegetables give the best flavor, but frozen ones can work too.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried parsley, though I’d recommend cutting the amount in half since dried herbs are stronger.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, salty taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute. You can also use pecorino or a vegan cheese if preferred.
Lemon Juice: It brightens the dish! If you’re out of lemon, a splash of white vinegar can work in a pinch, though it won’t have the same fresh flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking vegetables just right is key to keeping the dish vibrant and delicious! Here’s how to do it:
- Start sautéing harder vegetables like red onion and bell peppers first. Give them 4-5 minutes to soften.
- Next, add mushrooms, celery, and garlic. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Add asparagus and cherry tomatoes last. Cook them only until tender yet still crisp, around 3-4 minutes.
- Always taste as you go! This way, you can adjust cooking time based on how you like your veggies.
How to Make Delicious Pasta Primavera
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Vegetables:
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
Seasonings & Garnishes:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or white wine (optional for deglazing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pasta Primavera recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking the pasta and sautéing the vegetables. It’s quick and an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both colorful and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells incredible!
3. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to load up your skillet with those colorful veggies! Add the chopped red onion, sliced bell peppers, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté everything for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add Asparagus and Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Cook this mixture for another 3 to 4 minutes. You want the asparagus to be tender but still a little crisp, and the tomatoes should be softened but not mushy.
5. Deglaze the Pan (Optional):
If you’re using vegetable broth or white wine, pour it in now to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Add your drained pasta back into the skillet with the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until it’s heated through and well mixed.
7. Bring in the Flavor:
Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Give another gentle toss so everything combines nicely.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Take a little taste of your pasta primavera! If it needs more seasoning, feel free to adjust with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
9. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Plate your beautiful Pasta Primavera hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious and colorful meal!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this dish, any pasta shape like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti will work. Just keep an eye on the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have All the Vegetables Listed?
No problem at all! You can substitute the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, broccoli, or spinach make excellent alternatives!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also make sure the vegetable broth is plant-based! The rest of the recipe is already vegan-friendly.
Can I Make This Pasta Primavera Ahead of Time?
You sure can! You can cook the pasta and prepare the vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just heat everything together in a skillet before adding the seasonings and cheese.
