Lemon Pasta Primavera
A vibrant lemon pasta primavera featuring fresh vegetables and a zesty dill sauce, perfect for a light, flavorful meal that suits vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium tomato ⓘ
- 3 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp garlic butter ⓘ
- 1 lb steak topper vegetables (mushrooms, onions, red/green bell peppers) ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated angel hair pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon butter dill sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Fill a large saucepan half full of water and bring to a boil on high heat.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the zucchini and tomato.
- In a large skillet, melt garlic butter over medium heat.
- Add the steak topper vegetables (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers) to the skillet and sauté until tender.
- Add the chopped zucchini and tomato to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Stir in the lemon butter dill sauce and lemon juice, tossing to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or oregano alongside the basil. If you don't have lemon butter dill sauce, a simple mix of melted butter, lemon zest, and dill can work well. Swap out the steak topper vegetables for any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, like asparagus or broccoli, to make it your own. This recipe is a great example of Italian recipes that celebrate fresh produce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lemon Pasta Primavera with a light side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a glass of chilled white wine. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish is also a fantastic addition to summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra lemon butter dill sauce to prevent it from drying out. This will help retain the dish's fresh flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Pasta Primavera contains roughly 300 calories, with 11g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2087mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of angel hair?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will add a nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the garlic butter with a plant-based alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. The lemon butter dill sauce can also be made with vegan butter for a delicious vegan version of this dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and cook the pasta just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).