Pasta Primavera

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rotini)
• Salted water for boiling

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup peas

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Heavy cream for a creamy version

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and broccoli first; cook 3–4 minutes.
3. Add zucchini, squash, and bell pepper.
4. Cook until tender-crisp.
5. Stir in garlic, peas, and cherry tomatoes for the last 2 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Lower heat slightly.
2. Add olive oil or butter.
3. Stir in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and reserved pasta water.
4. Mix until a light silky sauce forms.

4. Combine

1. Add drained pasta to the skillet.
2. Toss everything together until coated evenly.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve

Top with extra parmesan, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips

• Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should stay vibrant and slightly crisp.
• Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavor.
• Reserve pasta water — it helps create a smooth sauce.
• Fresh parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Add protein like chicken or shrimp to make it heartier.
• For creamy primavera, stir in a splash of cream at the end.

Optional Variations

Creamy Pasta Primavera

Add:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• Extra parmesan cheese

Vegan Version

• Use olive oil instead of butter
• Skip parmesan or use vegan cheese

Protein-Packed Version

Add:

• Grilled chicken
• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Chickpeas

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Lemon iced tea or sparkling water

Fresh, colorful, and easy to customize, Pasta Primavera is a comforting vegetable-forward pasta dish that