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Pasta primavera on a plate.
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Pasta Primavera

Rather than being a "kitchen sink" vegetable pasta, this Pasta Primavera recipe dials in on just a few spring vegetables, making sure their colors, flavors, and textures truly shine.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 708kcal

Ingredients

For the tomato topping

For the pasta:

Instructions

To make the tomato topping

  • In a small bowl, add tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine. Set aside.

To make the pasta:

  • In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, bring 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and return to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Add zucchini, garlic, red chili flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook until the zucchini is softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Add asparagus, peas, and water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and cook until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp, about 2 minutes.
  • To the pot with the pasta, add cooked vegetables, chives, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to combine.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with cherry tomato mixture and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Video

Notes

  1. Cherry tomatoes: Or substitute halved grape tomatoes.
  2. Spaghetti: I’ve mostly eaten Pasta Primavera with fettuccine or linguine, but I really enjoyed spaghetti here. It feels lighter (as light as a bowl of pasta can feel, anyway), and it’s fun to twirl on your fork.
  3. Red pepper flakes: Add more or less to taste. Or, just pass a dish of chili flakes at the table (the spice lovers can add more until their faces are on fire).
  4. Yield: This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  6. Shrimp PrimaveraA delicious shrimp pasta recipe in a creamy herb sauce – all made in one pot! This version features carrots, peppers, and broccoli, too.
  7. Chicken Primavera: Layer grilled, sliced Lemon Pepper Chicken (or your favorite chicken recipe) on pasta before adding the tomatoes and Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 708kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1678IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 5mg