Go Back

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, fresh dish that combines al dente pasta with a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The vegetables are quickly cooked for crunch and aroma, then tossed with pasta and fragrant garlic, creating a lively and textured final dish with bright flavors and a slightly glossy appearance.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or penne sturdy pasta that holds up to vegetables
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing vegetables
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers sliced into strips
  • 1 cup zucchini thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Colander or strainer

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, filling the kitchen with warm aroma.
  3. Add the sliced bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften slightly and release their bright scent.
  4. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to burst and release their juicy acidity. The vegetables should be crisp-tender with vibrant colors.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients. Cook together for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with the fragrant oils.
  6. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, tossing again to evenly distribute the cheesy goodness and create a slightly glossy finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.