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–+ servings
Finished pasta salad with penne, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, and herbs in a bowl.

Pasta Primavera

A bright, vegetable-packed pasta tossed in a light lemon-butter sauce for a fresh, flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces penne pasta 284 g, dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • ½ small red onion sliced, ~94 g
  • 1 small red bell pepper seeded and sliced, ~162 g
  • 1 small yellow bell pepper seeded and sliced, ~147 g
  • 1 small yellow squash halved and sliced, ~169 g
  • 1 small zucchini halved and sliced, ~185 g
  • 12 asparagus stalks chopped, ~131 g
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs oregano, thyme, basil blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved, ~174 g
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice for brightness
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 40 g, for serving
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped, for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and return pasta to the pot.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add sliced red onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Add bell peppers and asparagus and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add squash, zucchini, and minced garlic, and cook 2–3 minutes until vegetables are just tender. Stir in Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and transfer vegetables to the pot with cooked pasta.
  7. Add grape tomatoes, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and butter. Stir gently until butter melts and sauce coats the pasta.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 814mgPotassium: 665mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1789IUVitamin C: 82mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Pasta Primavera is crisp, colorful, and light. Fresh vegetables, lemon juice, and butter create a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for spring or summer dinners. Top with parmesan and basil for extra brightness.

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