Pasta Primavera is a colorful and fresh dish packed with tasty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. It’s light, easy to make, and perfect for those sunny days!
When I make this, I love how the veggies brighten up my plate. It feels like a garden party on my fork! 🌼 Toss it with some olive oil and Parmesan for extra yumminess!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne for its tubular shape, which holds onto all the flavors. If you need a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. They work well too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best color and crunch. If broccoli is not available, swap it with cauliflower or green beans for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes also work, but you’ll miss some sweetness. Canned tomatoes could be an emergency backup.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness and color. Green peppers are a good substitute if you prefer something less sweet, or you can use zucchini for a different taste.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh is best! If you’re out of red onion, yellow or white onions can step in nicely. For garlic lovers, feel free to add more than three cloves!
How Can I Make the Perfect Vegetable Medley?
The trick to a perfect vegetable medley is cooking them just right to keep their freshness and crunch. Start with the harder vegetables first, like carrots and broccoli, and then add softer ones later. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat.
- First, sauté the red onion and garlic until aromatic—about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Finally, toss in the cherry tomatoes and snap peas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until all veggies are tender but still vibrant!
Remember not to overcrowd the pot. This helps veggies cook evenly! Don’t forget to season as you go for the best flavor.
How to Make Pasta Primavera?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and yellow)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep work and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and colorful dish packed with healthy vegetables!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente (cooked but still slightly firm). After cooking, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
3. Add the Harder Vegetables:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and diced bell peppers. Stir the vegetables occasionally and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. This will make them tender and flavorful, but still crisp!
4. Add the Rest of the Veggies:
Now it’s time for the cherry tomatoes and snap peas (or green beans). Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and well combined.
5. Combine Pasta and Vegetables:
Return the cooked penne pasta to the pot with the veggies. Gently toss everything together. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired amount of creaminess. Feel free to use as much or as little as you like!
6. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm on plates or in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your colorful and tasty Pasta Primavera!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even whole grain pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the vegetable mix! Zucchini, asparagus, or spinach make excellent additions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for softer vegetables, adding them toward the end of the cooking process to maintain some crunch.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or heat on the stove. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of the reserved pasta water to bring back the moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make Pasta Primavera vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The dish is already loaded with tasty veggies and flavor, so you won’t miss the cheese!
