Pasta Primavera with Garden Veggies
Pasta Primavera with Garden Veggies is a vibrant and healthy dish that celebrates fresh produce, offering a lighter take on a classic recipe. It's easy to prepare and perfect for any meal, showcasing the flavors of seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (Penne or Fusilli)
- 2 medium Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 medium Yellow Squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper, julienned
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled into ribbons or thinly sliced
- 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Snap Peas, trimmed and halved
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil and Parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, optional
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Prep the Vegetables: Chop all your garden veggies to ensure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Heartier Veggies: Add carrots and broccoli to the skillet first. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Softer Veggies: Toss in zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and snap peas. Sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water and the lemon juice.
- Emulsify the Sauce: Toss the mixture vigorously. Add parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Adjust with more pasta water if needed.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent gumminess.