Traditional Pasta Primavera

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Traditional Pasta Primavera is your go-to dish when you want something vibrant, fresh, and packed with veggies. It's a celebration of colorful produce, making it perfect for any season when you're craving something light yet satisfying.

Ingredients for Traditional Pasta Primavera

Spaghetti serves as the base of this dish, absorbing the flavors of the veggies and sauce beautifully. Olive oil adds a lovely richness and helps sauté the vegetables. Onion and garlic provide a flavorful aromatic base. Red bell pepper offers a sweet crunch, while yellow squash and zucchini add a tender texture. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness, and broccoli and snap peas add a pop of green and a bit of bite. Finally, Parmesan cheese ties everything together with a savory, nutty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cook the pasta just shy of al dente; it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot vegetables.
  • If you prefer a saucier dish, reserve a cup of pasta water to add to the skillet for a creamier texture.
  • For more protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pasta Primavera with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish nicely, enhancing the fresh flavors of the vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is! Just ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly if that's a concern.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Traditional Pasta Primavera Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so it has a nice bite. Once done, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Next, toss in the red bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Stir them around for about 5 minutes, until they’re just tender. You want them to retain a bit of crunch. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and snap peas to the mix. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until everything is heated through.

With all the veggies ready, stir in the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top, and season with salt and pepper to taste. To finish, garnish with some fresh basil leaves before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Vegetable-packed: A great way to enjoy your daily veggies.
  • Customizable: Swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables.
  • Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, and broccoli to the skillet, cooking until just tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and snap peas, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the vegetables.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

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