Description
Summer Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and healthy Italian main course that features tender pasta tossed with a medley of fresh, sautéed seasonal vegetables. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and an optional creamy touch, this dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful vegetarian dinner, highlighting the best of summer produce with a simple stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Cook Vegetables: Add zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and broccoli to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften them slightly without losing their freshness.
- Toss Pasta with Vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables, tossing well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, the heavy cream to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in other seasonal vegetables like asparagus or snap peas based on availability and preference.
- To make the recipe vegan, omit Parmesan cheese and heavy cream or replace them with dairy-free alternatives such as nutritional yeast and coconut cream.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Using whole wheat pasta can increase fiber content for a healthier option.
