Quick Pasta Primavera
Quick Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together fresh seasonal vegetables and al dente pasta in a light sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this 30-minute recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this delightful meal is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in zucchini and bell peppers; sauté for about five minutes until softened but still crunchy.
- Incorporate spinach and tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts (about two minutes).
- Combine: Toss the drained pasta with the vegetable mixture and reserved pasta water until well combined.
- Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have on hand—broccoli or asparagus work well too. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can enhance the protein content.