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Pasta Primavera

Colorful Pasta Primavera: A Quick, Healthy Dinner Delight

This Pasta Primavera recipe is a quick, healthy dinner featuring fresh seasonal vegetables, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Feel free to substitute with gluten-free or chickpea pasta.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Onion Can swap with yellow onions or shallots.
  • 1 large Carrot Parsnips can also work.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Consider using asparagus or green beans.
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Other bell pepper colors can be used.
  • 1 medium Yellow Squash Eggplant or other squash varieties can be substituted.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Use other squash varieties as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Cherry or sun-dried tomatoes are also excellent options.
For the Flavoring
  • 3 cloves Garlic Feel free to increase the amount for more flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Can substitute with lime juice.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can create a dairy-free version.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Basil or cilantro are alternative garnishes.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Crucial for sautéing veggies.
  • to taste Salt Add as needed for seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for a hint of heat.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet
  • measuring cups
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions for about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In a deep skillet, pour in a generous amount of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add chopped red onion and carrot to the skillet, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion turns slightly translucent.
  4. Next, toss in broccoli florets and red bell pepper, cooking alongside the onions and carrots for another 2 minutes.
  5. Now add yellow squash and zucchini to the mix, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  6. Stir in minced garlic, halved grape tomatoes, and dried Italian seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
  7. Add drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, tossing everything to blend evenly.
  8. Drizzle lemon juice, season with salt to taste, and adjust texture with reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Lastly, mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 150mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Chop all vegetables in advance to streamline cooking. Avoid overcooking veggies to maintain their nutrients. Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.

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