Fresh, colorful, and comforting
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, feel-good dish loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect balance of wholesome and comforting—ideal for busy weeknights, spring dinners, or anytime you want something fresh without sacrificing flavor. This easy pasta primavera recipe comes together quickly using simple ingredients and is endlessly customizable based on what veggies you have on hand. Light yet satisfying, it’s a Pinterest favorite for healthy pasta lovers who still crave a cozy, restaurant-style meal at home.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
📝 Ingredients List
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs or wooden spoon
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain 🍝
- Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft 😊
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp and colorful.
- Tomatoes & seasoning: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2 more minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add pasta water a little at a time until glossy and lightly sauced ✨
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- Best texture: Keep veggies slightly crisp for that classic primavera bite.
- Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.