Pasta Primavera Recipe – A Fresh Celebration of Spring Flavors

Pasta Primavera Recipe – The Pasta Primavera Recipe is a colorful, fresh, and vibrant dish that beautifully captures the essence of spring and summer. “Primavera” means “spring” in Italian, and this recipe truly lives up to its name by showcasing a delightful mix of seasonal vegetables tossed with tender pasta and a light, creamy (or olive oil–based) sauce.

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Recipe Overview

• Dish Name: Pasta Primavera Recipe

• Cuisine: Italian-American

• Course: Main Course / Dinner / Lunch

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine

• Salt, for boiling water

For the Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra as needed)

• 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 yellow squash, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra olive oil

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creamy version)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Colander

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Serving bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add your pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the harder vegetables first — such as broccoli, bell peppers, and asparagus — and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.

4. Add zucchini, yellow squash, and peas. Continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes.

5. Finally, toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes, just until they start to release their juices.

6. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. In the same skillet with the vegetables, add butter (or more olive oil) and stir to coat.

2. If you prefer a creamy version, pour in the heavy cream and stir well.

3. Add lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes.

4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the vegetables and stir until slightly melted.

5. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water (about ½ cup) to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables.

2. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

3. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

4. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer the Pasta Primavera to a large serving bowl or individual plates.

2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

3. Serve immediately while warm, with crusty bread or a light green salad.

Flavor Profile of Pasta Primavera Recipe

1. Fresh and Light:

   • The abundance of vegetables gives the dish a crisp and refreshing flavor.

2. Citrusy and Bright:

   • Lemon juice and zest add a fresh tang that balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Savory and Creamy:

   • Parmesan cheese and butter bring smooth, comforting richness.

4. Herbaceous:

   • Fresh basil and parsley infuse the dish with aromatic, garden-fresh notes.

5. Mild Heat (Optional):

   • Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick without overpowering the natural flavors

Conclusion

The Pasta Primavera Recipe is a joyful, colorful dish that beautifully showcases the freshness of seasonal vegetables in a simple yet elegant way. It’s the perfect balance of light and satisfying — packed with nutrients, flavor, and texture. The combination of crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and tangy lemon-Parmesan sauce makes every bite deliciously memorable.