Description
This Vegetarian Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, healthy, and meatless dinner packed with seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. Made with a light lemon and olive oil sauce, it’s a quick, colorful, and satisfying plant-based meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (100g) asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1/2 cup (75g) peas (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup (50g) red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, torn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Hard Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté asparagus and red bell pepper for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in zucchini, peas, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook 3–5 minutes until tender but vibrant.
- Toss with Pasta: Add cooked pasta, lemon juice and zest, and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat.
- Season and Serve: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Top with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to bind the sauce and vegetables.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sauté vegetables in batches if needed.
- Use high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta for added nutrition.
- Add beans, tofu, or spinach for protein and variety.
- Best enjoyed fresh; reheat gently with a splash of water or oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegetarian Pasta Primavera, Meatless Dinner Recipes, Healthy Pasta Dishes, Pasta with Vegetables, Quick Vegan Pasta