Description
Whip up this easy Italian Pasta Primavera! Vibrant bell pepper and zucchini, sautéed tender-crisp with fragrant garlic, perfectly complement al dente penne. A fresh, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (about 340g) penne or your preferred pasta shape
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and zucchini, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and their juices to release, creating a light sauce.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too dry or thick, to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the fresh vegetables and basil will soften slightly upon storage.
- To revive this dish, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore its fresh consistency and prevent dryness.
- This vibrant Primavera makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner, and for a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled chicken breast or a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Always remember to reserve some pasta cooking water; its starchy goodness is your secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that perfectly clings to every ingredient.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 7g