Pasta Primavera Italian Spring Vegetables (Printable)
Colorful Italian pasta with fresh spring vegetables, lemon, and herbs in a light sauce
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 - 1 small yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
05 - 1 cup broccoli florets
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 small carrot, julienned
→ Sauce & Flavorings
10 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
13 - Zest of 1 lemon
14 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the carrot, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
04 - Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and peas. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
05 - Stir in the cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes including prep time
- The vegetables stay crisp and colorful instead of turning mushy
- You can swap in whatever looks fresh at the market
02 -
- The pasta water is crucial for creating that silky light sauce that clings to everything
- Overcooked vegetables will ruin the primavera effect so keep them crisp and bright
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly
- Do not be shy with the lemon because that acid cuts through the olive oil