Homemade Pasta Primavera Recipe 🍝🌱🍅
This Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, fresh dish packed with seasonal vegetables, tossed in a light and flavorful garlic sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner. Full of color, taste, and nutrition, this dish is customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs. 🌿
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite variety)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the vegetables:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 zucchini, sliced 🥒
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌶️
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets 🥦
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh) 🌱
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
For the garlic sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth 🍲
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped 🌿
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving 🧀
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add the peas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still vibrant. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the garlic sauce over the pasta and toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm, and enjoy this fresh and flavorful Pasta Primavera!
Tips for Success:
- Feel free to add other veggies like asparagus, carrots, or spinach for more variety! 🥕🌱
- For extra protein, top your pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp 🍤🍗.
- You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice 🍋 for a bright, tangy finish.
This Pasta Primavera is light, healthy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect dish for any season! 🍝🌱