Pasta Primavera Recipe – Light And Easy!
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Pasta Primavera is a delicious and classic pasta dish that anyone can make. A simple recipe featuring a variety of fresh veggies and a light and flavorful sauce, this will be a huge hit with the whole family!
Veggie Pasta Primavera
When the weather gets warm, I am always looking for dinners that are filling, but not too heavy and more suited for the spring and summer months. That is where this light and easy Pasta Primavera recipe fits in!
A healthy vegetarian pasta with vibrant vegetables, this is one of those easy pasta recipes that any beginning cook can make. You can also meal prep by cutting the vegetables ahead of time and getting everything whipped up quickly for weeknight dinners.
Summer is when we get tons of access to fresh produce, so take advantage of the farmers markets and the grocery store options to make some easy pasta recipes that err on the lighter side!
Recipe Notes:
- This can easily be turned into a vegan pasta dish if you omit the cheese or substitute vegan cheese.
- You can turn this into a gluten-free dish by choosing gluten-free pasta.
- Farfalle pasta and bowtie pasta are the same thing, so that’s what you’re looking for in the grocery store. If you can’t find any, penne pasta is a good alternative.
- You can add a dash of red pepper flakes to add a little kick.
- Some people enjoy a squeeze of lemon juice or a little lemon zest added to the simple sauce.
- You can serve your Pasta Primavera hot or cold. I will make it for dinner and eat the leftovers cold the next day. It’s great for lunches!
How To Make Pasta Primavera Recipe
Pasta Primavera Ingredients:
8-10 oz farfalle pasta
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium zucchini, sliced and cut into halves
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Supplies Needed:
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large pot
Kitchen spoon or wooden spoon
Large colander
Large saucepan
Directions:
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes on a rolling boil until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, take out a cutting board and sharp knife. Cut the broccoli into florets, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the zucchini and red onions, and chop the fresh garlic cloves.
Step 3: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add the broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, red onion, and garlic. Sauté over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Once the cooked vegetables are soft, stir in the cooked pasta and add a little salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Sprinkle it with the shredded Parmesan cheese right before serving and enjoy!
How To Store Leftover Pasta Primavera
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze My Pasta Primavera?
Yes! Allow your pasta to cool to room temperature, move it to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months for the best results.
Can I Use Additional Fresh Vegetables In My Pasta Primavera?
Absolutely! Some great and easy additions are sliced yellow squash, green beans, snow peas, bell peppers, and asparagus. Truly, any summer vegetables or summer squash could work in this dish.
Can I Add A Protein To My Pasta?
Yes! You can easily add some leftover rotisserie chicken, chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu to the dish. If you don’t want a meat protein, cooked lentils, white beans, or pine nuts will work great as well.
Can I Turn This Into A Creamy Pasta Primavera?
Yes! I have not done this myself, so I don’t have exact measurements, but you can easily create a creamy sauce by adding a little heavy cream, some additional parmesan cheese, and a little salt. Taste test as you go.
Are You Looking For More Tasty Pasta Recipes? Here Are Some Of My Favorites:
- Short Rib Mac And Cheese
- Creamy Garlic Pasta Shells
- Ham And Spinach Pasta Skillet
- Easy Cheesy Penne Rigate Casserole
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Pasta Primavera Recipe
Pasta Primavera is a delicious and classic pasta dish that anyone can make. A simple recipe featuring a variety of fresh veggies and a light and flavorful sauce, this will be a huge hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
- 8-10 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced and cut into halves
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes on a rolling boil until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, take out a cutting board and sharp knife. Cut the broccoli into florets, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the zucchini and red onions, and chop the fresh garlic cloves.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter. Add broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, red onion, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked pasta and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle it with the shredded Parmesan cheese right before serving and enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 696Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 174mgCarbohydrates: 123gFiber: 9gSugar: 4gProtein: 25g
This calculation is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor or dietitian. This calculator is a guide, but makes no guarantee of being exact or fully accurate.