Spring Pasta Primavera Veggies (View Print Version)

Vibrant pasta tossed with fresh spring vegetables and aromatic herbs for a lively Italian meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or farfalle pasta

→ Fresh Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 - 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
04 - 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas

→ Aromatics & Herbs

08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
10 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

→ Sauce & Seasoning

14 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until tomatoes soften.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet with vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Stir in reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, and parsley. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
07 - Remove pan from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This is the fastest way to feel like you&apost eating in an Italian garden, even if your view is a rainy window.
  • It balances lightness with real flavor, so you won&apost feel weighed down but still satisfied after dinner.
02 -
  • If you overcook the vegetables, everything turns mushy and loses the cheerful crunch—always cook just long enough for color and texture.
  • Adding the herbs and lemon after removing from heat keeps them vibrant and preserves the spring flavors.
03 -
  • Mixing the pasta water into the sauce is the secret that gives creaminess and helps flavors stick to every bite.
  • Using only fresh herbs and zest at the end keeps the flavors bright and prevents wilting.
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