Pasta Primavera
A vibrant dish bursting with flavors and colors, featuring a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and al dente pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta Cook it in salted boiling water until al dente.
Vegetables
- 1 each red bell pepper Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 each zucchini Slice into uniform pieces.
- 1 each yellow squash Slice into uniform pieces.
- 2 each carrots Slice into uniform pieces.
- 1 cup broccoli florets Cut into small florets.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halve before adding.
Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic Mince before using.
- 1 each onion Thinly slice before using.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1/4 cup olive oil Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- 1 each lemon juice Freshly squeezed adds brightness.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs Toast briefly to enhance flavor.
- to taste salt Adjust according to taste.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chop before serving.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add gradually for richness.
Instructions
Boiling the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
Preparing the Vegetables
- While the pasta cooks, slice the bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the broccoli into small florets.
Sautéing the Aromatics
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Adding the Vegetables
- Add the bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss gently. Stir in reserved pasta water as needed.
Seasoning and Finishing
- Sprinkle dried Italian herbs, salt, and lemon juice over the pasta. Toss everything together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serving
- Remove from heat and top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Sauté some red pepper flakes with garlic for added spice.