Description

Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and nutritious dish that beautifully combines fresh seasonal vegetables with al dente penne pasta. This colorful medley not only tantalizes the taste buds but also encourages healthy eating habits for both kids and adults alike. With its easy preparation and endless customization options, Pasta Primavera is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy winter meal. Enhance this delightful dish by adding your favorite protein or experimenting with various vegetable combinations.

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz. dry Barilla Penne Pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 medium red onion, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced into matchsticks
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium yellow squash, quartered
1 medium zucchini, quartered
3 – 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sauté red onion and carrots for about 2 minutes until softened.
Add broccoli florets and bell pepper; sauté for another 2 minutes.
Incorporate yellow squash and zucchini; sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Stir in garlic, grape tomatoes, and Italian seasoning; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine sautéed veggies with the drained pasta in a large bowl. Mix in lemon juice and reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Toss in parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavors. For added protein, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique flavors.