Pasta Primavera
Emily Wilson
A vibrant and fresh Pasta Primavera recipe featuring seasonal vegetables, penne pasta, and a light lemon cheese sauce. Choose from sautéed, roasted, or one-pot methods for a perfect spring meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American-Italian
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 411 kcal
Large pot
Skillet or roasting pan
Cutting board and knife
Mixing spoon
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for finishing
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 yellow squash thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 cup frozen peas thawed
- 0.75 cup grated pecorino cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- red pepper flakes to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 0.25 cup fresh tarragon optional
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add onions, zucchini, squash, and asparagus. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until just tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and peas.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in pasta water a little at a time and stir in lemon juice and pecorino cheese.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add fresh basil and tarragon at the end. Toss gently and serve warm.
Use fresh, in-season vegetables for the best flavor. Stir in pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness. Always taste before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 411
Total Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 480mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g
Keyword Pasta Primavera, spring pasta, vegetable pasta