Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, as needed
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large carrot, sliced (1/4-inch rounds)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli, small florets
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Onions and Carrots: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and 1/4-inch sliced carrot rounds, sauté for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Broccoli and Bell Pepper: Stir in the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Continue sautéing for another 2 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
- Cook Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, cooking until the vegetables are almost tender but still have some bite.
- Incorporate Garlic, Tomatoes, and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, halved grape tomatoes, and dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Sauté for 2 more minutes until the garlic is fragrant and vegetables are well combined.
- Combine Vegetables and Pasta: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pot or a large serving bowl with the cooked pasta. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pasta and vegetables. Season with salt as needed, and toss while gradually adding the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and create a light sauce.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, mixing well to evenly distribute the cheese and herbs throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the Pasta Primavera immediately, topped with any remaining Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help bind ingredients.
- Vegetables should retain a slight crunch to preserve freshness and texture.
- Feel free to add or substitute seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or peas.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy optimal texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian