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Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera combines tender pasta with a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is cooked with aromatic garlic and shallots, finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a colorful, flavorful, and slightly saucy pasta with a satisfying bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice) preferably al dente
  • 2 cups bell peppers red and yellow, sliced into strips
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • to taste salt for pasta water and seasoning
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife
  • Colander or strainer

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, chop the bell peppers into thin strips and slice the zucchini into half-moons. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set all aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped shallots and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes, with a gentle sizzle.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn it. The mixture should smell fragrant and slightly nutty.
  5. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch, and their colors brighten.
  6. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until they just start to burst and release their juices, filling the pan with a fresh, tangy aroma.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to combine everything. If the mixture seems dry, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and create a light sauce.
  8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and vegetables, tossing again to evenly distribute the cheesy goodness and melt slightly into the mixture.
  9. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh basil and parsley, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dish should be vibrant, aromatic, and just slightly saucy with the starchy pasta water.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra herbs or Parmesan if desired, and enjoy the lively, colorful flavors of this fresh Pasta Primavera.