Name: Delicious Pasta Primavera Recipe
Prep time: PT-486951H46M53S
Cook time: PT-486951H46M53S
Total time: PT-486951H46M53S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 ounces dried penne pasta; Salt, as needed; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 medium red onion, sliced; 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin strips; 2 cups broccoli, sliced into small pieces; 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips; 1 medium yellow squash, quartered and sliced; 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 heaping cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise; 2 teaspoons Italian herbs, dried; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Delicious Pasta Primavera. This dish is a celebration of vibrant vegetables, tossed with tender penne and a zesty, lemony olive oil sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Every bite bursts with color and flavor, making this recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser for family dinners, date nights at home, or anytime you want something fresh and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients you’ll love. Once you try this Delicious Pasta Primavera, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Delicious Pasta Primavera Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about the way just a few everyday ingredients turn into a show-stopping dish. Each component here isn’t just essential, it’s the secret behind the taste, texture, and rainbow-bright look of your Delicious Pasta Primavera. Here’s what you’ll need – plus plenty of tips to make those flavors shine!

10 ounces dried penne pasta: Penne does a wonderful job catching all the veggies and sauce in every bite; try to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Salt, as needed: Don’t skimp on salting your pasta water – it’s the first layer of flavor and makes a huge difference.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: The backbone of your sauce; use a high-quality oil so the flavor really pops.
1/2 medium red onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch; red onion keeps things mild and colorful.
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin strips: Carrots add natural sweetness and color, and their texture contrasts nicely with softer veggies.
2 cups broccoli, sliced into small pieces: Broccoli brings wonderful green color and that satisfying bite.
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips: For crispness and gorgeous red accents.
1 medium yellow squash, quartered and sliced: Adds a buttery, soft vibe and sunny color.
1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced: Classic for primavera! It softens without going mushy.
3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that classic Italian flavor punch; fresh garlic really is best.
1 heaping cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise: They burst with sweet, juicy flavor and juicy color once heated.
2 teaspoons Italian herbs, dried: A blend of classic dried herbs; if you have fresh, use twice as much and add at the very end.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: The starchy liquid helps your sauce cling to every noodle; don’t forget to save it before draining!
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: For brightness and to balance all the rich flavors; fresh squeezed tastes best.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided: This gives a salty, nutty finish and makes the sauce silky; reserve half for that final flourish on top.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh green pop just before serving – don’t skip it!

How to Make Delicious Pasta Primavera

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and add your penne pasta. Stir it now and then so it doesn’t stick. The secret here is to only cook until al dente – just firm to the bite – because the pasta will get tossed with warm vegetables later and you don’t want it turning mushy. Before you drain, scoop out half a cup of pasta water; this golden liquid is what transforms your sauce from good to glorious! Drain the penne, set it aside, and get ready for veggie magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Heartier Vegetables

While the pasta’s boiling, heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red onion and carrots first. These need a little longer to soften and develop their sweetness. Keep things moving with a spatula and enjoy the aroma as they sizzle away for about 2 minutes. Next, add in the broccoli and red bell pepper; their crisp texture is essential in Delicious Pasta Primavera, so just give them another minute or two to keep them bright and vibrant.

Step 3: Add Zucchini, Squash, and the Flavor Makers

Now toss the sliced yellow squash and zucchini into the skillet. These veggies cook quickly and soak up the olive oil and sweet onion flavors perfectly. Stir everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the squash and zucchini begin to tenderize but still hold their shape. Sprinkle in your minced garlic, halved tomatoes, and Italian herbs, stirring for an additional 2 minutes. By now, everything should smell deeply savory and inviting, with veggies that are crisp-tender and colors that are popping!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Time for everything to come together! Move those sautéed vegetables into your now-empty pasta pot (or grab a big serving bowl if you like easier cleanup). Add the drained penne on top. Drizzle in the lemon juice and season with a pinch more salt if needed. The magic happens when you start tossing the pasta and vegetables, streaming in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This turns the oil, lemon, and cheese into a silky, luscious sauce that coats every piece. Keep tossing until it looks glossy, with sauce clinging perfectly around every noodle and veggie.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Fresh Parsley

Sprinkle in half of your parmesan cheese and the parsley, giving everything a few final tosses. They’ll melt into the sauce, making it extra fragrant and a bit creamy. Serve Delicious Pasta Primavera right away, with a generous scatter of the remaining parmesan over each bowl for a perfect finish. Every forkful is dotted with cheese, color, and so much springtime flavor!

How to Serve Delicious Pasta Primavera

Garnishes

I love to finish Delicious Pasta Primavera with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a shower of fresh parsley right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add a crack of black pepper or a little lemon zest on top. These finishing touches add freshness and vivid color, making every serving feel special and extra inviting. If you want even more zing, a drizzle of fruity olive oil never hurts!

Side Dishes

This pasta shines front and center, but pairing it with a simple side can make your meal truly memorable. Try big, leafy salads tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or a few slices of warm, crusty bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. If you want a little extra protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are fantastic additions—toss them right in or serve alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to wow your guests, serve Delicious Pasta Primavera in a big family-style bowl in the middle of the table—everyone loves helping themselves! For a dinner party, portion into shallow plates and garnish with a few extra fresh herb sprigs, or use colorful pasta bowls to make the veggie colors pop. Leftovers also look gorgeous chilled and served as a picnic pasta salad—just add a touch more lemon juice and olive oil before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Delicious Pasta Primavera stores beautifully. Let it cool, then spoon into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors tend to meld and intensify, making leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Portion the cooled pasta and veggies into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeeze out as much air as you can, and freeze for up to two months. The veggies may lose some crispness, but the flavors will still be wonderful.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the sauce, then warm gently in the microwave or toss in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Just before serving, top with a little more parmesan and fresh parsley for that just-made taste. If you froze your pasta, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne is classic, but fusilli, rotini, or farfalle all work great with Delicious Pasta Primavera. Just adjust cooking time as needed for your chosen pasta shape, and remember to keep it al dente.

What other vegetables can I add or substitute?

Primavera is all about using what’s fresh and available. Asparagus, snap peas, green beans, or even mushrooms can be swapped in or added. Just cut everything into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

Is there a way to make it vegan?

Definitely! Just skip the parmesan, or use nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based cheese instead. The dish is naturally dairy-free except for the cheese, so it’s easy to veganize without losing flavor.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp and not soggy?

Sauté your vegetables in batches by adding harder ones first and finishing with softer ones. Don’t overcook—aim for crisp-tender, and always add tomatoes at the end to avoid mushiness. Reserving some texture is the secret to restaurant-quality Delicious Pasta Primavera!

Can I prepare Delicious Pasta Primavera in advance?

Yes, you can! Prep and chop your veggies a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Or, cook the whole dish and store it for up to four days; just reheat gently with a splash of water or extra olive oil and garnish fresh before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly joyful about sitting down to a plate full of color and flavor. Delicious Pasta Primavera is one of those classic dishes that brings everyone together at the table, and I hope you’ll make it your own. Give it a try—you might just discover it’s your new family favorite, too!

Delicious Pasta Primavera Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delightful and colorful pasta primavera loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light lemon-olive oil sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté red onion and carrot. Add broccoli and bell pepper.
Finish Cooking the Veggies: Add squash, zucchini, garlic, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until fragrant.
Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Transfer veggies to the pasta pot. Add drained pasta, lemon juice, salt. Toss, adding reserved pasta water.
Add Cheese and Serve: Mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan and parsley. Serve topped with remaining Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Saute, Boil
Cuisine: Italian