Pasta Primavera Flavorful Delicious

This veggie-filled pasta primavera is light, healthy, and flavorful. Easy to customize, your family will love how refreshing this pasta is. It’s similar to our Spinach Tortellini Salad.

Pasta + Veggies

We love pasta recipes and this pasta primavera is a tasty one! What is pasta primavera? Primavera in Italian means spring. Even though this dish has an Italian name it is American in origin. In the 1970’s Sirio Maccioni was the co-owner of Le Cirque, a famous restaurant in New York City, and the creator of the dish. Even though his partner, a French chef, was opposed to the humble dish, it grew in popularity as an off-menu special. This recipe is also very healthy and easy to change. As you can see, there are loads of different veggies in this dish, but you can also add some protein too (like chicken, shrimp, or sausage). You can also omit any ingredients in case you have some picky eaters – or just fill it with any extra veggies you know the kids love.

An Easy Summer Salad

Vegetable pasta primavera is a gardener’s dream dish because you can easily use produce that you’ve grown that season. For the rest of us non-gardeners, just use what is in season at your local market! PASTA. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, but be sure to reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining. VEGGIES. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the carrots for a few minutes. Add the peppers and saute for an additional few minutes. Add the squash and zucchini and saute for 2 more minutes. Add the tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper, and sauté for another 2 minutes. (Note: if adding meat, then add it at this point. Be sure that it has been precooked and cut) Toss in the bowtie pasta, ¼ cup reserve pasta water, lemon juice, and any salt and pepper as needed. SERVE! Top with parmesan cheese, parsley, and balsamic glaze if desired. Serve it up with a side of Garlic Bread!

Variations

Make pasta primavera your own by switching up the pasta or veggies. Pasta. We used bowtie pasta, but you could easily use penne or your favorite bite-size shape. Veggies. Use veggies you have on hand such as peas, broccoli, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or your favorite spring vegetables. Herbs. Top with fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or a sprinkling of lemon zest.

Pasta SToring Tips

Make ahead of time. Prepare primavera pasta the morning of or even the day before. Store the ingredients in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to make the dish.

Produce: Wash, dry, and cut all the produce. Pasta: Once drained, toss it with a little bit of olive oil to keep the noodles from getting sticky and clumping together.

STORE. Leftover pasta primavera recipe can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can eat leftovers cold straight out of the fridge, or heat it back up in a skillet. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave also works.