Description
Experience vibrant flavors with this Easy Fresh Italian Pasta Primavera! Al dente penne meets sautéed garlic, colorful bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all brightened by vegetable broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups mixed fresh vegetables (e.g., 1 red bell pepper chopped, 1 medium zucchini chopped, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the chopped zucchini and broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and the juice from one lemon. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though the fresh flavors are truly best enjoyed the day it's made.
- To gently warm, place individual portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water, stirring until just heated through to revive the sauce and prevent veggies from becoming mushy.
- This delightful pasta primavera shines as a light main course, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and a slice of warm, crusty bread to complete your fresh Italian meal.
- For a truly bright and zesty flavor that embodies "primavera," ensure you add the fresh basil and lemon juice *right at the end* after the skillet is off the heat, preserving their delicate aroma and vibrant taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.75 cups (350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 7g