Pasta Primavera is all about freshness and flavor. It’s an ideal choice for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. With crisp-tender vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a light sauce, it’s simple, customizable, and ready in about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover or seasonal vegetables, making it both economical and nutritious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pasta (penne, farfalle, linguine, or spaghetti) olive oil garlic, minced onion, thinly sliced carrot, julienned or thinly sliced zucchini, sliced or chopped bell peppers, sliced (any color) cherry tomatoes, halved broccoli florets peas (fresh or frozen) salt black pepper Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme) grated Parmesan cheese optional: lemon zest or juice, red pepper flakes, or a splash of cream
Directions
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often.
Add cherry tomatoes and peas, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
Stir in grated Parmesan and optional lemon zest or juice for brightness.
Serve warm, topped with more cheese and fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Creamy Primavera: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce.
Cheesy Primavera: Stir in mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta for added flavor.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized vegetables or serve over zucchini noodles.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta with whole grain or gluten-free versions.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the oven for a deeper flavor.
Pesto Twist: Toss in a spoonful of basil pesto for a herby upgrade.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, broth, or olive oil to refresh the texture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the vegetables. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the vegetables may become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
What does “Primavera” mean?
“Primavera” means “spring” in Italian and refers to the use of fresh, seasonal vegetables in the dish.
Can I use frozen vegetables for Pasta Primavera?
Yes, though fresh vegetables provide the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before adding to the pan.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage make great additions for extra protein.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Short pastas like penne, farfalle, and rotini hold the veggies well, but long noodles like linguine or spaghetti work too.
Can I make Pasta Primavera ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepped in advance and reheated gently. For best results, slightly undercook the vegetables so they stay crisp.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
Cook the vegetables briefly over medium-high heat until just tender. Avoid overcooking or overcrowding the pan.
What sauce goes best with Pasta Primavera?
A simple olive oil and garlic base is traditional, but a light cream sauce or lemon butter sauce also works well.
Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?
Yes, just let it cool and toss with a little extra olive oil or vinaigrette. It’s great served chilled or at room temperature.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, especially when cut into bite-sized pieces. You can adjust the vegetables to suit preferences and add a sprinkle of cheese for appeal.
Conclusion
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together fresh vegetables and tender pasta in a light and satisfying way. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this wholesome, colorful meal is sure to brighten your table.
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, vegetable-packed pasta dish that celebrates the freshness of seasonal produce. Light and satisfying, it’s tossed with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan for a simple, flavorful meal perfect any time of year.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, linguine, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 zucchini, sliced or chopped
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning or 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: lemon zest or juice
Optional: red pepper flakes or a splash of cream
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Add carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add cherry tomatoes and peas; cook an additional 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional lemon zest or juice for brightness.
Serve warm, topped with extra cheese and herbs if desired.
Notes
Use whatever vegetables are in season or on hand.Add a splash of cream for a richer, silky sauce.Top with mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for variety.Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for extra protein.Undercook vegetables slightly if prepping ahead to keep them crisp.
