Description
This Veggie Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, healthy, and delicious meal packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light, flavorful sauce. Perfect for any season, it’s a colorful dish that celebrates wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
12 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and broccoli; cook for 6–8 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the vegetables.
7. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
9. Top with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or using nutritional yeast instead.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: veggie pasta primavera, healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, lemon pasta, vegetable pasta