Pasta Primavera
A vibrant and colorful dish celebrating fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust to taste for spice preference.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Use freshly grated for better flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Cooking Vegetables
- Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toss in the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the asparagus and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper into the skillet and mix well.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in a bit of reserved pasta water to help combine everything smoothly.
- Toss the mixture until the pasta is well coated. Add the grated Parmesan cheese if using, and mix until melted.
Serving
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Best served immediately while warm. Drizzle with olive oil and add lemon zest to enhance flavors. For storage, cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.