Light and Tasty Pasta Primavera (30 Minutes)

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Pasta primavera is a classic Italian dish that features a variety of fresh vegetables and tender pasta, making it a delicious and healthy choice for a home-cooked dinner. This recipe includes cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and bell peppers, all tossed in a light and flavorful garlic sauce. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small bunch of asparagus, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced bell peppers, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and peas to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the vegetable broth to the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the vegetables and sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the pasta primavera hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

What I love most about this recipe is that you can add or substitute different vegetables to suit your preferences and use whole grain pasta to increase the fiber content. You can also toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or spicy sausage (my favorite) for an added boost of protein. This recipe makes enough for four servings and can easily be doubled for larger groups or leftovers. Serve with a simple green salad or a crusty bread and call it dinner. Enjoy!

*The following nutritional information is based on estimates.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 390 calories
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 246mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 4mg

Pair this with...

Cheesy Breadsticks

Begin with a basic bread dough – a blend of flour, water, yeast, a bit of sugar, and salt. After kneading and letting it rise until it doubles, roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Now, here comes the cheesy magic! Generously sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, over half of the dough. Fold the other half over the cheese, sealing the cheesy treasure within. Cut the dough into strips, giving you the classic breadstick shape. Arrange them on a baking sheet. Before they go into a preheated oven, you might want to brush them with a mixture of melted butter and garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Bake until they're golden and the cheese inside has melted into gooey perfection.

Avocado and Tomato Salad

Start by halving ripe cherry tomatoes, which offer sweet-tartness. Slice up a ripe avocado, its creaminess contrasting beautifully with the tomatoes. Thinly slice some red onion for a hint of zesty sharpness. Crumble in a good amount of feta cheese which adds a salty, tangy bite. For a touch of aromatic freshness, chop up some basil leaves and sprinkle them in. Now, for the dressing: a simple drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, give everything a gentle toss, ensuring not to mash the avocado.

Simple Steamed Broccoli

Begin with fresh broccoli, breaking it into even-sized florets to ensure uniform steaming. Rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities and to refresh their natural green hue. In a pot with a steamer insert, bring a small amount of water to a boil, ensuring the water level remains below the steamer. Place the broccoli florets into the steamer, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Within a few minutes, the broccoli will transform into a brighter shade of green, signaling its readiness. Once tender but still slightly crisp, transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. A sprinkle of sea salt, a light drizzle of olive oil, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance its earthy taste.

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