Pasta Primavera is a fresh, colorful pasta dish packed with fresh vegetables and a light, flavorful sauce. This recipe is a great way to use up all of those vegetables in your produce drawer. It is simple, delicious, and the perfect meal to serve on its own or alongside your favorite grilled meat.
Pasta Primavera
We love a good, simple, “empty the fridge” pasta recipe, and this one is definitely one of my very favorites! If you aren’t using pasta water in your sauces yet, this is a great way to get started and taste how silky and amazing it makes the end result.
We also use lemon juice to add a touch of acidity and brightness to the dish, and you’ll be shocked how simple and delicious this is.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Fresh and colorful – A variety of vegetables makes this dish visually appealing and nutrient-packed.
- Light yet satisfying – The combination of pasta, veggies, and cheese is filling without being too heavy.
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable – Swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Bright and flavorful – Lemon juice and Italian seasoning add a fresh, zesty kick.
Easy Pasta Primavera Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Butter
- Onion
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Bell Pepper
- Baby Spinach
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
- Pasta Water
- Shredded Parmesan
How To Make Homemade Pasta Primavera
Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.
- Boil the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than the minimum cook time on the package. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the onions – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook the vegetables – Add broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and spinach to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for 10 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and pasta – Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the drained pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon juice. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and serve – Top with shredded parmesan and serve hot.
FAQ
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
How do I reheat Pasta Primavera?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a bit of butter, olive oil, or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. Cooked pasta can be stored separately and added to the pan when reheating.
What other vegetables can I use?
Asparagus, peas, carrots, or yellow squash are great additions. You can swap or add any vegetables based on preference or seasonality.
Serve This With…
- Garlic Bread or a warm baguette
- A simple green salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp for added protein
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
PIN FOR LATER!
Pasta Primavera
Our easy homemade Pasta Primavera recipe is the perfect meal to throw on the table on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 handful baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 cup pasta water
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
Instructions
- Put a large pot of well-salted water on the stovetop over high heat to boil.
- While you are waiting for it to boil, in a large skillet melt the butter and add the onion. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the vegetables to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.
- Once the pasta water boils, add your pasta and cook to 1 minute under the minimum cook time. When you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve one cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Add the garlic to the pan with the vegetables and let cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the pasta to the pan along with the pasta water and lemon juice.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, over medium heat.
- Top with the parmesan and serve hot!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 298mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 13g