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Delicious Pasta Primavera

Delicious Pasta Primavera: A Colorful Twist on Comfort Food

This Delicious Pasta Primavera combines vibrant vegetables with penne pasta for a quick, healthy meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta Substitute with fusilli or whole wheat for added nutrition.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with avocado oil for a unique flavor.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Use yellow or white onion if preferred.
  • 1 medium Carrot Swap with parsnips for a different taste.
  • 1 cup Broccoli Substitute with green beans if desired.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Any variety works, or use zucchini instead.
  • 1 medium Squash/Zucchini Eggplant makes a great substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is best but powdered works too.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Consider sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Replace with fresh basil or oregano if you have them on hand.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Vinegar can serve as an alternative.
For Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a fantastic vegan substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Feel free to use basil or cilantro for different notes.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Pasta Primavera
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. As the pasta cooks, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, allowing it to steam off.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced red onion and carrot to the hot skillet, stirring them gently for about 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
  3. Next, toss in the broccoli florets and diced bell pepper, stirring for another 2 minutes until the colors brighten and the veggies soften slightly.
  4. Add the diced squash and zucchini, stirring for 2-3 more minutes until they are nearly softened while still retaining some bite.
  5. Mix in the minced garlic and halved tomatoes, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Transfer the sautéed vegetable mix into the empty pot or a large serving bowl. Gently fold in the drained penne pasta, ensuring even distribution among the vegetables.
  7. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and season generously with salt. Toss everything together to brighten the flavors of the pasta primavera.
  8. As needed, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to achieve a light and saucy consistency that clings to the pasta.
  9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley until well-mixed, and your Delicious Pasta Primavera is ready for serving.
  10. Serve your vibrant Pasta Primavera immediately for the best taste and warmth, offering additional Parmesan on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to create your own variations with seasonal vegetables and herbs.

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