Pasta Primavera: A Vibrant Spring Celebration

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This vibrant Pasta Primavera is a celebration of spring's freshest produce, offering a quick, nutritious, and adaptable 30-minute meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience perfect for health-conscious food lovers.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Fresh Produce:

• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 yellow squash, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine or penne
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Herbs & Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Dairy/Protein (Optional):

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

Equipment

• Large pasta pot
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon
• Grater

Cooking Instructions

Prep Vegetables

• Wash and chop all vegetables
• Mince garlic
• Julienne zucchini and squash

Cook Pasta

• Boil salted water in large pot (Water temperature: 100°C/212°F)
• Cook pasta al dente (8-10 minutes)
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water
• Drain and set aside

Sauté Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in large skillet (Medium-high heat: 190°C/375°F)
• Sauté garlic (30 seconds)
• Add harder vegetables first (asparagus, bell peppers)
• Cook 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp (Internal vegetable temperature: 75°C/167°F)
• Add zucchini, squash (2 minutes)
• Add cherry tomatoes (1 minute)

Combine

• Add cooked pasta to vegetable skillet
• Toss with herbs
• Add pasta water if needed for moisture
• Season with salt and pepper
• Final dish temperature: 65°C/150°F

Finish

• Optional: Add Parmesan cheese
• Sprinkle fresh basil
• Add red pepper flakes if desired

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

Dietary Variations

Vegan Option:

• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast
• Omit heavy cream
• Use whole wheat pasta

Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free pasta
• Verify all ingredients are GF certified

Low-Carb:

• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles
• Increase vegetable quantity

Pro Tips

Serving:

• Serve immediately for best texture
• Garnish with extra herbs
• Pair with crisp white wine

Storing:

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat with splash of water
• Best consumed fresh