Pasta Primavera(Italian)
A colorful and flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying vegetarian meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups broccoli, sliced thin ⓘ
- 3/4 cup medium fresh carrots, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced thin ⓘ
- 6 oz. frozen pea pods ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced broccoli, carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and crushed basil. Saute for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add frozen pea pods and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Serve the vegetables over the hot cooked spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute olive oil for butter. You can also mix in other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and color. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to make it more filling. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Tortellini Alfredo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Primavera with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal or a fresh garden salad for added crunch. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors well. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Macaroni Salad to create a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Primavera(Italian) contains roughly 512 calories, with 12g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti is traditional, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make Pasta Primavera vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free cheese substitute, adding a cheesy flavor without animal products.
What can I add for extra protein?
For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Tofu is another great option for a vegetarian or vegan protein source. Just sauté it with the vegetables for a deliciously hearty meal.
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).