Pasta Primavera – Family Style is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines colorful vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a delightful garlic sauce for a flavor-packed dish that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Pasta Primavera
- How to Make Pasta Primavera
- Tips for Making Pasta Primavera
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Pasta Primavera
- Reheating Pasta Primavera
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Pasta Primavera related recipes next!
- Easy Vegetable Spiral Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Summer Vegetable Pasta
- Lemon Butter Spaghetti
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This Pasta Primavera is great for those busy nights when you want a hot meal but you don’t have much time to throw it together. It’s basically a dump-and-cook meal – and the best part is your whole family will love it!
- Colorful & Nutritious. This dish showcases a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, making it not just nourishing, but vibrant on the plate!
- Customizable. You can easily adjust this dish to include your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand, along with different types of pasta, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Pasta Primavera
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta: Any pasta of your choice, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor of the vegetables and acts as the base for the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic touch to the dish.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, and carrots.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese provides creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing and balancing flavors.
How to Make Pasta Primavera
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add your chosen seasonal vegetables to the skillet and sauté until tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the vegetable and garlic mixture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
Tips for Making Pasta Primavera
- Use Fresh Vegetables: The fresher the vegetables, the better the flavor and texture of the dish. Try to choose seasonal produce.
- Do Not Overcook the Pasta: For the best texture, make sure to cook pasta al dente, as it will cook slightly more when you mix it with the hot vegetables.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs, lemon zest, or chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Cook the pasta and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Mix them together and add olive oil, garlic, and cheese just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.
Freezing Pasta Primavera
- Cooked pasta primavera can be frozen. Place cooled pasta and vegetables in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating Pasta Primavera
- Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Heat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work well, but make sure to cook them thoroughly before mixing with the pasta.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use any pasta that you enjoy, including gluten-free options.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu would pair nicely with the vegetables and pasta.
How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding herbs like basil or thyme, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness!
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Try these recipes next!
Print
Pasta Primavera – Family Style
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and colorful dish featuring fresh vegetables and pasta cooked in a light garlic sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Any pasta of your choice, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aroma.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, and carrots are common.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for creaminess.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for flavor enhancement.
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente. Drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and garlic until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with vegetables.
- Sprinkle with cheese and seasonings, toss to combine, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking pasta for the best texture.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Pasta Primavera, quick dinner, family recipe
