Easy Pasta Primavera | Fresh, Colorful & Packed with Flavor

If you’re looking for a quick, fresh, and colorful pasta dish, Pasta Primavera is the perfect choice! This classic Italian-inspired recipe features tender pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and can be made in just 30 minutes.

Primavera means “spring” in Italian, and this dish lives up to its name with its bright colors and fresh ingredients. While it’s traditionally made in the spring and summer, you can customize it with any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great year-round meal.

Pasta Primavera is not just a delicious meal—it’s also a healthy, wholesome option that’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from the variety of vegetables. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant meal for a special occasion, or a light lunch, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s easily customizable to be made gluten-free, vegan, or protein-packed.

Looking for a light, fresh, and colorful pasta dish? This Easy Pasta Primavera is packed with vibrant seasonal vegetables, tender pasta, and a deliciously simple sauce, making it the perfect meal for any time of year.

Tossed in a light garlic butter or creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a vegetarian main course or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp, it’s an easy meal that’s full of flavor.

Let’s dive into this easy, delicious, and healthy pasta dish!

Ingredients

This dish is flexible, so feel free to mix and match veggies based on your preference! The key is to use a variety of colors and textures to make the dish visually appealing and flavorful.

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Sauce & Garnishing:

• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

How to Make Pasta Primavera

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, peas, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until veggies are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
3. Add butter (if using), Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, tossing everything together.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
2. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Primavera

✔ Light and Healthy – Packed with fresh vegetables and light seasonings.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔ Customizable – Use any vegetables you have on hand.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers or lunch the next day.
✔ Vegetarian-Friendly – Can be made vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps.

Tips for the Best Pasta Primavera

✅ Use Fresh Vegetables – The best Pasta Primavera is made with seasonal, crisp veggies.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Vegetables – Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
✅ Add Protein – Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
✅ Make it Creamy – Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or ricotta cheese.
✅ Use Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan adds amazing flavor!

Variations & Substitutions

🥦 Different Veggies – Use asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes.
🧄 Extra Garlic – Double the garlic for a bolder flavor.
🌱 Make it Vegan – Skip the butter and cheese, and use nutritional yeast instead.
🍤 Seafood Option – Add shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
🌶 Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

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FAQs

1. Can I make Pasta Primavera ahead of time?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil.

2. Can I freeze Pasta Primavera?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove.

3. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or farfalle work great, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work well.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.

5. How do I make it creamier?

Add 1/4 cup heavy cream, ricotta, or cream cheese for a creamy sauce.

6. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are the best choices for a salty, nutty flavor.

7. Can I serve this cold?

Yes! This makes a great cold pasta salad for picnics or meal prep.

8. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water in the dish.

9. What can I serve with Pasta Primavera?

• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Grilled chicken or shrimp

10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little olive oil or butter for best results.